Years Issued
1923–1924 (first type)
Monarch
George V (1910–1936)
Mint
Royal Mint, Pretoria
Composition
95.5% Cu, 3% Sn, 1.5% Zn
The 1923‑1924 Farthing
South Africa's shortest‑lived denomination – issued for only two years in its original form, and then discontinued. The reverse design was the only wildlife motif in the first Union coinage set, featuring two Cape sparrows perched on a mimosa branch.
Key Facts
- First Union farthing issue: 1923–1924
- No farthings struck in 1925
- Reverse designer: George Kruger Gray (KG)
- Obverse designer: Bertram Mackennal (BM)
- High‑grade example: NGC MS 66 BN exists
Historical Background
When the Royal Mint branch opened in Pretoria in 1923, it struck a full range of denominations for the Union of South Africa, including the farthing (¼ penny). The coins were identical in size and value to their British counterparts and were minted at the Royal Mint in Pretoria .
However, its low purchasing power and production cost likely led to its discontinuation after just two years in this original form. According to the authoritative Bakewell Collection notes, no farthings were struck in 1925 . The farthing would later return with different reverse designs from 1926 onward, but the 1923-1924 issues remain distinct as the only ones with the "¼ PENNY ¼" legend format .
The 1923 farthing was part of the first Union proof set, offered in a long red Mappin and Webb box. A complete 1923 proof set (Halfcrown to Farthing) sold at auction for £900 .
Design Details
Obverse (Bertram Mackennal)
- Crowned bust of King George V left, in royal mantle
- Legend: "GEORGIVS V REX IMPERATOR"
- Designer's initials "B.M." on truncation of bust
Reverse (Kruger Gray)
- Two Cape sparrows standing, facing each other on a sprig of mimosa with berries
- Legend: "SOUTH - AFRICA * DATE * ZUID - AFRIKA * ¼ PENNY ¼"
- Designer's initials "K.G." at base of plant stem
Technical Specifications
- Composition: Bronze (95.5% Copper, 3% Tin, 1.5% Zinc)
- Edge: Plain
- Diameter: Approximately 20 mm
- Note on colour: From 1923 to 1942, bronze coins were artificially blackened to distinguish them from gold coins in circulation. From 1942 onward, bronze coins had a bright red appearance . This explains the "BN" (Brown) and "RB" (Red Brown) colour designations seen in certified examples.
According to the Bakewell Collection notes, the reverse design for the Quarter Penny shows 2 sparrows perched on a sprig of mimosa within a circle. Changes to the inscription were made in subsequent years, but the 1923-1924 issues feature the distinctive "¼ PENNY ¼" legend format .
Mintage and Collector Values
The 1923 and 1924 farthings are key dates in the Union series. Exact mintages are not provided in the search results, but auction appearances confirm their relative scarcity compared to later years. The 1923 farthing is particularly sought after as the inaugural issue of the Union series.
Representative Auction Records
| Date | Auction House | Description | Price Realized |
|---|---|---|---|
| Auction 152 | London Coins | 1923 farthing, "Toned UNC" (part of a 40-coin farthing lot with many UNC examples) | £340 (entire lot) |
| Auction 150 | London Coins | 1923 farthing, "Toned UNC" (part of 40-coin lot) | £340 (entire lot) |
| Auction 183 | London Coins | 1923 GF/NVF; 1924 UNC/AU toned (25-coin farthing lot) | £60 (entire lot) |
| Spink 13012 | Spink | 1923 and 1924 farthings (part of 25-coin lot, generally EF-UNC) | £160 (entire lot) |
| Auction 126 | London Coins | 1923 and 1924 farthings (part of 26-coin lot, many EF-UNC) | £130 (entire lot) |
Individual Coin Estimates
Based on auction data and general numismatic market knowledge, individual values for the 1923 and 1924 farthings are approximately:
1923 Farthing
- Fine: $20–30
- Very Fine: $40–60
- Extremely Fine: $80–120
- Uncirculated: $200–400+
1924 Farthing
- Fine: $15–25
- Very Fine: $30–50
- Extremely Fine: $60–100
- Uncirculated: $150–300+
High-grade certified examples command significant premiums. A 1923 farthing graded NGC MS 66 BN exists in the Bakewell Collection . Such a specimen would likely be worth substantially more than the estimates above.
Notes for Collectors
- First year of issue: 1923 is the inaugural year for Union coinage, making it historically significant for type collectors.
- Short duration: The 1923-1924 issues represent the only years for this specific reverse design with the "¼ PENNY ¼" legend. Later years (1926-1931) used "¼ PENNY", and from 1931 onward "¼D" .
- Bronze colour: Early Union bronzes (1923-1942) were artificially toned to a brown finish; this is original and not a sign of cleaning. Red or red-brown examples are scarce .
- Provenance: A 1923 proof set containing a farthing sold for £900, demonstrating the value of original packaging and proof condition .
Sources
- Bakewell Collection. "SOUTH AFRICA UNION SERIES DESIGN CHANGES" (2012)
- London Coins auction archives (Auctions 126, 150, 152, 153, 183)
- Spink auction 13012 (Ancient, British and Foreign Coins)
- Collectors Society. "SOUTH AFRICAN UNION KING GEORGE V TYPE SET"
- World of Coins forum discussion
- Edward B. Barbier coin description