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1 Farthing - Oliver Cromwell
| Issuer | England |
|---|---|
| Year | 1657-1658 |
| Type | Log in to see details |
| Value | Log in to see details |
| Currency | Log in to see details |
| Composition | Log in to see details |
| Weight | Log in to see details |
| Diameter | 21.6 mm |
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| In circulation to | Log in to see details |
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| Obverse description | Log in to see details |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Latin |
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| Reverse description | Log in to see details |
| Reverse script | Latin |
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| Edge | Log in to see details |
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| Additional information |
Cromwell's farthing occupies an awkward place in English numismatic history. Parliament had long resisted royal copper coinage on principle — small change was viewed as a prerogative too easily abused — yet the chronic shortage of low-denomination currency forced the issue. These pieces were struck under private license rather than direct state authority, a compromise that satisfied neither merchants nor purists.
Spink 3230 is among the rarer Cromwellian copper types. Production ceased abruptly at the Protector's death in September 1658, leaving circulation figures well below what the economy required.