Some beautiful coins amongst this lot,  with Australian History

Younger Australian coin collectors, are probably unaware that we used these coins in Australia until 1964.

The wren series was first introduced in 1937, the final coin was 1956, 20 coins in total, here are 10 of them.

Farthings, worth one-quarter of an old penny, and were used in Australia from the early 19th century until 1964 as part of the British imperial currency system. Although never minted in Australia, they were common for small transactions like milk, bread, or newspapers. They were officially withdrawn in 1964 before decimalization. 

Key Facts About Farthings in Australia:

• Origin: British coins were used, featuring various monarchs including Queen Victoria and King Edward VII.

• Usage: They were used during the colonial period to fill the need for small change, with early shipments arriving in the 1800s.

Value: One farthing was equal to one quarter

 of a penny,

Composition & Design: Transitioned from silver to copper, and from 1860, bronze. Later, they featured a wren on the reverse (1937–1956).

Circulation & Use: Widely used in Britain and the colonies (including Australia) until being demonetized in 1961.

• Withdrawal: The Australian government withdrew them from circulation in 1964, prior to the February 1966 introduction of decimal currency.

• Collector Status: After being withdrawn, they became highly popular collector's items. 

While they were not legal tender for long after the 1960s, they served as a vital part of everyday commerce for over a century. 

During World War II (roughly 1939–1945), British farthing mintages were relatively high, (but not by today's standards) driven by a renewed need for small change for rationing and price controls, despite earlier, pre-war declines in usage.

The coins produced during this period featured King George VI with the wren reverse.

Farthing Mintages by Year (WWII Era): though distributed to several commonwealth countries

1939: 31,440,000

1940: 18,360,000

1941: 27,312,000

1942: 28,857,600

1943: 33,345,600

1944: 25,137,600

1945: 23,736,000

Key Facts regarding WWII Farthings:

Design: The obverse featured the uncrowned head of King George VI, with the inscription "GEORGIVS VI D:G: BR: OMN: REX F:D: IND: IMP". The reverse featured a wren, designed by H. Wilson Parker.

Wartime Usage: Although considered nearly obsolete just before the war, the introduction of rationing made farthings essential for daily shopping, causing a massive spike in demand.

Metal Shortages: Despite the need, metal was prioritized for the military, but production continued.

Mint Location: Minted at the Royal Mint's Tower Hill facility.

These coins remained in circulation until they were demonetized at the end of 1960.

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