(1670s) Saint Patrick New Jersey Farthing
Strike Type
Coin Details
Description
The St. Patrick Farthing (quarter penny) is a copper colonial coin with a distinctive brass plug on the obverse beneath the crown, originally intended to bring the coin's intrinsic value up to its face value. The obverse depicts King David kneeling and playing a harp, crowned, with the legend FLOREAT REX ("May the King Flourish"). The reverse shows St. Patrick driving serpents and vermin from Ireland with a crozier, surrounded by people, with the legend QVIESCAT PLEBS ("May the People Be at Rest"). Although traditionally associated with Ireland, these coins circulated extensively in colonial New Jersey under a 1682 act that gave them legal tender status. John Martin's 2018 study cataloged 197 die varieties across the entire St. Patrick series.
Rarity Notes
The most common St. Patrick denomination. Circulated widely in colonial New Jersey. Many varieties exist — John Martin (2018) cataloged 197 die varieties across the entire series.
Cross References
Vlack (various), Martin (2018), Breen 208, W-11500, KM#Tn1
External References
Error Varieties
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