1926 George V Farthing – Lustrous Bronze

1926 George V Farthing – Lustrous Bronze – Superb Example

This listing is for a genuine 1926 Bronze Farthing of King George V, struck at the Royal Mint, London. The 1926 farthing marks one of the later issues of George V’s long-running bronze series and is sought after for its distinctive mid-1920s strike quality and often subtle toning.

This particular coin displays rich, original mint lustre with faint golden and copper-red hues radiating across both obverse and reverse. The fields are smooth with light cabinet toning and excellent detail in Britannia’s trident and the King’s portrait — evidence of a coin that has been carefully preserved since issue.

Historical Context

The farthings of the late George V period capture Britain’s interwar coinage craftsmanship. The Royal Mint had refined its bronze alloy and striking process by this time, producing coins that retained lustre and colour far longer than earlier issues. The 1926 date is particularly collectible as it sits just before the design modifications introduced later in the decade and offers a classic depiction of Britannia in her traditional maritime form.

Coin Details

Country: United Kingdom
Monarch: George V (1910–1936)
Denomination: Farthing (¼d)
Date: 1926
Metal: Bronze
Weight: 2.83 g
Diameter: 20.0 mm
Edge: Plain
Mint: Royal Mint, London

Design

Obverse: Portrait of King George V facing left, legend GEORGIVS V DEI GRA: BRITT: OMN: REX FID: DEF: IND: IMP:, designed by Sir Bertram Mackennal.
Reverse: Britannia seated facing right, holding trident and shield, with lighthouse to left and ship to right, date below. Designed by Leonard Charles Wyon.

Condition

A sharply struck and lustrous example with attractive copper-red undertones and lightly frosted devices. The coin retains excellent eye appeal, with smooth surfaces and strong detail in both Britannia’s figure and the King’s portrait. A superior cabinet piece, retaining much of its original brilliance.

Collectors’ Notes

Lustrous George V farthings are increasingly scarce in today’s market, as most circulated heavily and lost their original colour long ago. This 1926 example combines strong strike quality, near mint-state preservation, and classic natural lustre — an ideal choice for both type and date collectors.