1953 UK ‘Wren’ Farthing Proof Bronze Coin
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- 1953 UK ‘Wren’ Farthing Proof Bronze Coin
Basic Information
- Produced by The Royal Mint.
- The reverse of the coin depicts a Wren bird, designed by Harold Wilson Parker.
- Designed by Mary Gillick OBE, the obverse of the coin features the first portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, after officially ascending to the throne on 6th February 1952.
- Rare and limited release as part of a proof coin collection.
Description
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- Produced by The Royal Mint.
- Struck in bronze and finished to a proof standard.
- 1953 was the first year in which this version of the Farthing coin was released, marking the start of the reign for Queen Elizabeth II, after officially ascending to the throne on 6th February 1952.
- The coin was created and released as part of a commemorative set, in recognition of the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II, which took place at Westminster Abbey in London on 2nd June 1953.
- The reverse of the coin features the design of the Wren bird, facing left, a design created by Harold Wilson Parker.
- The inscription for the denomination of 'FARTHING', the name given to the ¼ Penny coin, is shown below the depiction of the Wren bird on the reverse of the coin.
- The year '1953', is shown around the reverse of the coin, above the depiction of the Wren bird.
- The initials, 'HWP', of the artist Harold Wilson Parker who created the Wren bird design, are displayed in a monogram form on the reverse of the coin.
- Designed by Mary Gillick OBE, the obverse of the coin features the first portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, after officially ascending to the throne on 6th February 1952.
- The Latin inscription around the obverse of the coin, 'ELIZABETH II DEI GRA : BRITT : OMN : REGINA F : D :', an abbreviation of 'ELIZABETH II DEI GRATIA BRITANNIARUM OMNIUM REGINA FIDEI DEFENSATRIX', translates as 'Elizabeth the Second, by the grace of God, Queen of all the Britains, Defender of the Faith', in English.
- The initials 'M.G.', of the artist Mary Gillick OBE who created the first portrait on the obverse of the coin, are displayed at the base of the shoulder on the portrait of Queen Elizabeth II.
- Limited release of approximately 40,000.
| Country of Issue | United Kingdom |
| Denomination(s) | Farthing (¼d) |
| Alloy(s) | Bronze |
| Weight(s) | 2.83g |
| Diameter(s) | 20.00mm |
| Shape(s) | Round |
| Quality | Proof |
| Mintage | 40,000 (Approximate) |
| Year of Issue | 1953 |
| Effigy | Queen Elizabeth II, First Portrait |
| Reverse Designer(s) | Harold Wilson Parker |
| Obverse Designer(s) | Mary Gillick OBE |


