1 Farthing - Oliver Cromwell

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.