Coin

½ Farthing - Victoria 1st portrait; incl. Colonial (1856) — United Kingdom

United Kingdom • 1856 • KM# 738, Sp# 3951

½ Farthing - Victoria 1st portrait; incl. Colonial (1856) — United Kingdom

Overview

A copper ½ Farthing coin of the United Kingdom, featuring the first uncrowned portrait ('Young Head') of Queen Victoria on the obverse and a central crowned denomination on the reverse. Minted in 1856 with a mintage of 913,900 pieces. Composed of copper with a plain edge.

Specifications

Country
United Kingdom
Year
1856
Composition
Copper
Weight
2.36 g
Diameter
18 mm
Thickness
1.3 mm
Mint
Royal Mint (Tower Hill), London, United Kingdom (1810-1975)
Shape
Round
Technique
Milled
References
KM# 738, Sp# 3951
Issuer
United Kingdom

Design details

Obverse

First uncrowned portrait ('Young Head') of Queen Victoria left, legend around. Script: Latin Lettering: VICTORIA D:G: BRITANNIAR: REGINA F:D: Unabridged legend: Victoria Dei Gratia Britanniarum Regina Fidei Defensatrix Translation: Victoria by the Grace of God Queen of the Britains Defender of the Faith Engraver: William Wyon

Reverse

Central crowned denomination above date with rose, thistle and shamrock below date. Note: 1839-dated issues only have a rose below date Script: Latin Lettering: HALF FARTHING 1844

Collector insights

  • Design heritage: William Wyon is credited as the designer for the Standard circulation coins series. Designer attribution helps distinguish this issue from later restrikes or unofficial copies that reuse only the motif.
  • Struck at: Royal Mint (Tower Hill), London, United Kingdom (1810-1975). Confirm the mintmark on your example before comparing prices — same-year issues from different mints often trade at very different levels.
  • Mintage vs. survival: A moderate mintage of 913,900. Grade rarity is usually the driver of value here — mid-grade circulated pieces are common, but original-surface uncirculated coins can command a strong premium.
  • Catalogue reference: Listed as KM# 738, Sp# 3951. Use this reference code when cross-checking auction archives, dealer inventories, and standard printed catalogues.

More from United Kingdom

Other ½ Farthing - Victoria 1st portrait; incl. Colonial issues

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