The Quarter Farthing

The quarter farthing was issued for use only in Ceylon (now Sri Lanka) between 1839 and 1853, and was never legal tender in the UK. However, they are usually considered to be part of the British coin series, as Ceylon used British currency at that time.

They have the smallest sized diameter of all copper British coins, having a diameter of 13.5mm and weighing just 1.2g. Besides the copper circulation issues of 1839 and 1851-3, bronze and cupronickel proofs dated 1868 are also known.

The design is similar to that of the half farthing, but with a reverse which reads QUARTER FARTHING with the date and rose with three leaves below, and a crown above.

They are difficult coins to find in really top quality condition, as the tropical climate in Ceylon caused copper to corrode readily.

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A picture by Anna Haller

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Heritage Stone

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