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Victorian 1897 Farthing NGC MS62 Freeman 575 High Tide

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Product Code: FDC5049
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Coin Approved

by Experts

This exceptional 1897 Great Britain Bronze Farthing (Freeman 574 High Tide), certified NGC MS 62 BN and designated Blackened at the Mint, represents a rare Victorian variety distinguished by original surfaces, strong eye appeal, and respected third-party grading.

Victoria (1837-1901), Diademed and veiled portrait (Old Head) of Queen Victoria left, legend around. The reverse, Seated figure of Britannia facing right, trident in left hand, shield with Union flag in right hand, denomination above, date in exergue, sea behind with lighthouse on left and ship on right

Translation of obverse legend Victoria by the Grace of God Queen of the Britains Defender of the Faith.

Blackened at the Mint” describes an intentional late-Victorian minting process applied to British bronze farthings, particularly from 1897 to 1917, in which newly struck uncirculated coins were exposed to controlled acid fumes to darken their surfaces.

This practice was introduced to prevent farthings from being fraudulently passed as gold half sovereigns, which they closely resembled in size.

The resulting finish ranges from deep black to lighter brown tones and is regarded as an original mint surface rather than post-mint alteration. Coins retaining this designation, especially when certified by NGC, are recognised as legitimate mint varieties valued for their historical and technical significance.

NGC Certification 8463505-030

Coin Specification
Year	1897
Denomination	Farthing
Mintage	4579800
Quality	Mint State
Obverse Designer	Thomas Brock
Reverse Designer	Leonard Charles Wyon
Weight	2.83g