The Third Farthing The first of the fractional farthings to be issued was the third farthing, which throughout the period of issue from 1827 to 1913 was minted solely for use in Malta. The island used British coins, but the Grano , dating from before British rule, was valued at a twelfth of a penny. As a result, the decision was made to coin the equivalent in a British denomination. The Copper Third Farthing The design of the copper half farthings for George IV, William IV, and Victoria shows a standard portrait on the obverse, while the reverse shows Britannia facing right seated with a shield and trident. They weigh about 1.57g and have a diameter of 16mm. The 1844 copper third farthing of Victoria comes in two varieties. A few rare versions have RE rather than REG on the reverse . The Bronze Third Farthing In common with the other larger denominations, a switch to bronze was made in 1860. The reverse design was changed to show the inscription ONE THIRD FARTHING...
The Half Farthing This was issued a year later than the third farthing for use exclusively in Ceylon. However, in 1842 it was made legal tender in the UK despite much criticism for being far too small a denomination. The series lasted until 1869 when the coin was demonetized, the last date issued for circulation being 1856. They were generally treated as curiosities, and weigh about 2.4g with a diameter of 18mm. All are copper except for the 1868 proofs. The design of the half farthings for George IV and William IV show a standard portrait on the obverse, while the reverse shows Britannia facing right seated with a shield and trident. Those issued by Victoria have a reverse which reads HALF FARTHING with a crown above and the date below. Below that there was a rose with three leaves for the issue of 1839, which was changed to a rose, thistle and shamrock thereafter, when the coin became valid throughout the UK. The obverse for the Victorian coins is identical to that of the ...