1760 Farth Voce Populi - Large Letters

Coin Details

Auction Record

$17,825 MS64 04-01-2009 Heritage Auctions

Description

This 1760 Voce Populi Farthing with Large Letters is the smaller denomination in the Voce Populi series, paired with the more common halfpenny. The farthing (quarter-penny) was the smallest standard British denomination and the lowest-value coin in regular colonial circulation. The "Large Letters" designation distinguishes this variety from the "Small Letters" type, with the legends being engraved in noticeably larger lettering on both the obverse and reverse dies. The obverse features a laureate bust facing right, while the reverse shows the seated Hibernia with her harp and the VOCE POPULI legend in the larger letter style. The Voce Populi farthings are significantly rarer than the halfpennies, as the smaller denomination was apparently produced in much lower quantities. This makes economic sense: farthings had very low purchasing power, and the profit margin for the manufacturer on such small coins was minimal, providing little incentive for large production runs. The coin is struck in copper at a smaller diameter than the halfpenny, consistent with the farthing denomination. Voce Populi farthings circulated in the American colonies alongside halfpennies and other small coppers, though their tiny size and low value meant they were easily lost and infrequently saved by contemporary owners. The Large Letters variety, with its bold, easily readable legend, provides a more visually appealing example of the type than the Small Letters version.

Rarity Notes

Rare. Voce Populi farthings are significantly scarcer than the halfpennies. The Large Letters variety is slightly more available than Small Letters.

Cross References

PCGS #256; NGC #108115; Breen; Nelson; cf. PCGS #259 (Small Letters), PCGS #262 (Halfpenny No P)