Lot #513: UK 1919 Farthing Coin - George V - One Quarter Penny - Britannia with Trident - Blackened Patina

Obverse: Features the "Uncrowned Portrait" of King George V facing left, designed by Bertram MacKennal. The inscription reads GEORGIVS V D.G. BRITT: OMN: REX F.D. IND: IMP:. ("George V, by the Grace of God, King of all the Britons, Defender of the Faith, Emperor of India"). Reverse: Features a seated Britannia facing right, wearing a Corinthian helmet and holding a trident. Her right hand rests on a shield bearing the Union Flag. The inscription reads FARTHING with the date 1919 at the bottom. This issue is famous for its dark, "blackened" finish. From 1897 until 1918, farthings were artificially darkened at the mint to prevent them from being confused with the similarly sized gold half-sovereign. While the darkening process was officially stopped in 1918, many 1919 specimens still exhibit this dull, chemically induced patina. Despite its low value of one fourth of a penny (one "fourthing" "farthing"), the farthing was essential for the working class; it could still purchase small items like a single egg or a portion of milk. The 1919 mintage was substantial, with over 25 million pieces produced. Dimensions: Bronze. 20 mm. 2.83 g. Pickup category timeslot {A}