Irish Farthing Coin Value Guide

The 18th-century Irish Farthing is a significant piece of numismatic history, representing the smallest denomination used in daily colonial trade. These copper coins are highly collectible due to their distinct 'Hibernia' iconography and their documented circulation throughout the early American colonies.

What affects the value of Irish Farthing Coin?

• The legibility of the date and the 'Hibernia' inscription significantly impacts the $50-$60 price range.
• Surface preservation, specifically the lack of heavy corrosion or 'pitting' common in 18th-century copper.
• The clarity of the fine strings on the Celtic Harp design, which are often the first details to wear down.
• Historical provenance or evidence that the coin was recovered from a specific Colonial American archaeological site.

How to Identify Irish Farthing Coin?

• Look for the Latin inscription 'HIBERNIA' on the reverse side, which was the standard identifier for Irish coinage.
• Identify the central design element of a crowned Celtic Harp, a traditional symbol of Ireland's national identity.
• Verify the material is copper and the denomination is a farthing, which is smaller than the contemporary halfpenny.
• Check for the 1700s date range typically located below the harp or the monarch's bust.

History of Irish Farthing Coin

Farthings were essential for small transactions in early modern economies. The inscription 'HIBERNIA' on Irish coins is Latin for 'Ireland,' a tradition reflecting the island's historical identity. These coins, often featuring a Celtic Harp, circulated widely, even reaching colonial America, where they served as the lowest coin denomination for everyday commerce.