COIN

A copper alloy (bronze) farthing of George V. The coin has been pierced to form a pendant for suspension, possibly on a necklace or more likely on a fob watch. Further, the coin has been deliberately drilled, cut and filed to create a profile of the king. This work is very fine and the filing is extraordinarily neat, following the profile of the face and back of the head as well as the internal line which divides the inscription from the field. This design completely ignores the reverse of Britannia seated. The date of the coin (191[?]) and the wear suggests that it had been in circulation some time before being augmented.

The findspot is close to that of HESH-408A03 and close to the site of a German prisoner-of-war camp outside Ludlow. The re-use of a low-denomination coin like this is not uncommon, and is commonly associated with 'trench art' and 'prison art' where spare time was spent keeping busy. These two elements make the recorder confident that it is associated with the second world war camp, rather than being a casual loss by a labourer or farm worker.

The coin measures 20.1mm in diameter, is 1.2mm thick and weighs 1.7 grams. The internal diameter of the pierced suspension hole is 2.0mm. The colour and patina suggest discovery in the ground.

The coin depicts:
Obverse: Bearded bust of George V facing left
Inscription: GEORGIVS [V DEI] GRA: BRI[TT]: OMN: REX FID: DEF: IND: IMP
Reverse: Britannia, helmeted, seated on a rock facing right. Her left hand is raised and grasps a plain trident just below the prongs. Her right hand rests on the upper left edge of a large oval shield bearing the crosses of St George and St Andrew (the Union Flag). Date in exurge: 191[-]
Inscription: FAR[THING]
Die Axis: 12

Numismatic data

No numismatic data has been recorded for this coin yet.

Coin references

No coin references available.