Farthing anglais en jeton — Jacques Ier, type Harington 1a (1613)

About this coin

Obverse

Crossed sceptres pass beneath a crown. A small letter or device lies on or below its cushion.

Script: Latin

Lettering

IACO D G MAG BRIT

Translation

James, by the grace of God, of Great Britain.

Reverse

A crowned harp is followed by the royal title. A fret-shaped Harington knot begins the reverse legend.

Script: Latin

Lettering

FRA ET HIB REX

Translation

King of France and Ireland; continuation of the obverse title.

Mints and mintmarks

Issued by private patentees under royal authority; not ordinary Tower-mint silver or gold.

Engraver and mintmaster marks

Below crown: A, B, C, D, F, S, millrind, pellet or ermine.

Identification and varieties

Undated royal patent tokens, valued at a quarter penny. Dates are approximate issue attributions, not inscribed years. Letter forms, punctuation and harp details vary. A privy mark is a control device, not necessarily a mint location. Counterfeits require separate identification; a matching mark alone does not authenticate a piece.

Measurements

Recorded weights and diameters describe specimens. Thin copper flans vary substantially.