British Halfpenny or Farthing (George II or George III era)

Great Britain / United Kingdom · 18th Century (circa 1730-1790)

A heavily worn, dark green-patinated copper coin showing the faint outline of a right-facing royal portrait on the obverse and a heavily smoothed or featureless reverse.

Country: Great Britain / United Kingdom
Year: 18th Century (circa 1730-1790)
Denomination: Halfpenny or Farthing
Metal: Copper
Grade: Poor to Fair (P-1 to FR-2)

This report is AI-generated and can be wrong. Always verify grade, authenticity, and value with a qualified dealer or certified grading service before buying, selling, or insuring.

Identified September 19, 2026More great britain / united kingdom coins →

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Overview

A heavily worn, dark green-patinated copper coin showing the faint outline of a right-facing royal portrait on the obverse and a heavily smoothed or featureless reverse.

Historical significance

These copper coins circulated widely during the Georgian era, playing an essential role in daily commerce for the working classes both in Britain and its American colonies.

Obverse (front)

A right-facing laureate bust of a British monarch (likely George II or George III) surrounded by partially legible Latin legend.

Reverse (back)

Seated figure of Britannia facing left, holding a branch and spear, though heavily worn and smoothed flat.

Estimated value

$2-$10

What drives this coin's value

Legibility of the date and monarch, overall surface preservation, and absence of severe environmental damage.

Grade assessment

Poor to Fair (P-1 to FR-2)

Mintage & rarity

Common across the series, though specific dates are frequently unreadable due to wear.

Authenticity & counterfeit red flags

Due to low market value in this condition, counterfeiting modern copies is rare, but contemporary counterfeit halfpennies from the 18th century are actually quite common and collectible in their own right.

Notable varieties & errors

Numerous bust varieties, lettering variations, and 'spade' or broad-rim transitions depending on the exact year and denomination.

Similar coins

Irish copper halfpennies and farthings of the same period, as well as contemporary counterfeit tokens (machinists' tokens).

Care & preservation

Store in a stable environment with low humidity in a non-PVC coin flip. Do not clean or scrub the coin, as this will destroy the natural patina and reduce its collectible value.