Parimala

When we look at a coin as small as the British farthing, it is easy to think of it as simply loose change from another era. Yet the 1937 farthing, in particular, carries with it a wealth of history — a story that stretches from the coronation of a new king to the changing face of Britain’s currency. This tiny bronze disc, no larger than a thumbnail, was part of daily life for millions and remains one of the most charming pieces in British numismatics.

The First Farthing of a New Reign

The year 1937 marked the beginning of a new chapter for Britain. Following the abdication of King Edward VIII in December 1936, his younger brother, George VI, unexpectedly ascended the throne. The new monarch’s coronation took place in May 1937, and with it came a fresh coinage bearing his portrait. The farthing issued that year was the very first to feature George VI — a monarch who would guide the country through the turbulence of the Second World War.

The obverse of the 1937 farthing presents a finely detailed portrait of the King, bareheaded, facing left. This design was created by Thomas Humphrey Paget, one of the Royal Mint’s most respected engravers. Paget’s work is instantly recognisable for its clear, dignified lines and balanced proportions, qualities that made George VI’s likeness both regal and approachable.

A Wren Takes Flight

While the front of the coin honours the monarch, it is the reverse that has truly captured the public imagination. For the first time in British coinage, the farthing displayed a wren — one of the country’s smallest and most beloved birds. Designed by artist Harold Wilson Parker, the wren was a bold departure from the classical image of Britannia that had graced many earlier farthings.

The choice of a wren was inspired. In folklore, the wren is known as the “king of birds” — small in size but spirited and resourceful. The design is simple yet elegant: the bird stands on a short twig, tail cocked, its fine feathers and delicate feet rendered with remarkable precision for such a small canvas. The word FARTHING is curved above the design, with the date below. This blend of modern style and naturalistic detail made the coin instantly distinctive.

The Coin in Everyday Life

A farthing was worth one-quarter of a penny — or one nine-hundred-and-sixtieth of a pound sterling. In 1937, it had modest purchasing power: enough to buy a few sweets, a small newspaper, or a stamp for local post. Farthings jingled in the pockets of children heading to the corner shop, in bus conductors’ change purses, and in the tills of small businesses across the country.

The coin’s size reflected its value — just 20 millimetres across and weighing 2.83 grams. Struck in bronze, its warm reddish-brown tone would slowly deepen with age and handling. Though small, it was easy to recognise by touch alone thanks to its lightness and smooth rim.

A Snapshot of 1937 Britain

The year 1937 was a mix of optimism and uncertainty. The coronation of George VI was celebrated nationwide, complete with souvenirs, parades, and radio broadcasts that reached into millions of homes. Britain was still emerging from the hardships of the Great Depression, yet signs of recovery were evident. At the same time, tensions in Europe were growing, foreshadowing the challenges that lay ahead.

The farthing of that year, therefore, is more than a coin — it is a pocket-sized time capsule. It reflects the art, values, and daily habits of the Britain of the late 1930s, a country balancing tradition with the stirrings of modern change.

Mintage and Collectability

1937 farthings were minted in large quantities for circulation, ensuring they reached every corner of the United Kingdom and beyond. Because so many were produced, they are not considered rare today, but their charm and historical context make them a favourite among collectors. Coins in worn, circulated condition are affordable and easy to find, while examples in pristine, uncirculated state — with their original mint lustre — are more sought after.

For numismatists, the 1937 farthing is also important because it marked the beginning of a design run that would continue until the denomination was discontinued. The wren reverse remained essentially unchanged for the next two decades, making this first year a cornerstone for any wren farthing collection.

The Farthing’s Farewell

The farthing’s days were numbered after the Second World War. Inflation steadily eroded its value, and by the mid-1950s it was becoming obsolete in everyday transactions. The last farthings were struck in 1956, and they ceased to be legal tender at the end of 1960. By then, prices had risen so much that the coin could buy almost nothing.

Yet despite its modest worth, the farthing left a lasting mark on British culture. Many people still recall the feel of the coin in their hands as children, the delight of saving enough farthings to make a small purchase, and the distinctive wren that made it stand out from other coins.

Artistry in Miniature

One of the remarkable qualities of the 1937 farthing is how much artistry and symbolism were packed into such a small space. On the obverse, Paget’s portrait of George VI projects stability and continuity — vital qualities at a time when the monarchy had just faced a crisis. On the reverse, Parker’s wren embodies modesty, resilience, and an appreciation for the natural world.

The wren design’s success can be measured by its enduring popularity. Even after the coin was withdrawn, the wren remained a fondly remembered emblem of British small change. Its place in coinage history is secure as one of the most recognisable and best-loved reverse designs of the 20th century.

A Link Between Past and Present

Holding a 1937 farthing today is to hold a tangible link with the people and events of nearly nine decades ago. It connects us to a Britain where telegrams were still common, steam trains criss-crossed the land, and radio was the height of home entertainment. It reminds us that even the smallest objects can carry the weight of history, art, and memory.

In its day, the farthing was often overlooked — a humble coin at the bottom of a purse. Now, it stands as a symbol of an era, its bronze surface telling stories of coronation day celebrations, everyday purchases, and the simple pleasures of a different time.