UK 1941 Farthing

Material: Bronze (97% copper, 2.5% zinc, 0.5% tin – wartime alloy)
Diameter: 20 mm
Mint / Mintmark: Royal Mint, London (no mintmark)
Obverse: Bare head of King George VI facing left, legend “GEORGIVS VI D:G:BR:OMN:REX F:D:IND:IMP”
Reverse: The reverse side prominently displays a left-facing Eurasian wren (Troglodytes troglodytes) standing upon a small branch. Designed by artist Harold Wilson Parker, his tiny "HWP" initials sit subtlely to the right of the bird's feet. The mint year "1941" is centered boldly above the wildlife motif, while the textual denomination "FARTHING" traces the bottom curve. A raised beaded edge forms the ultimate border around the entire reverse layout.
Circa: 1941
Condition: Very Fine – even bronze tone, good portrait and wren detail
Notes:
The introduction of the tiny wren to the farthing reverse in 1937 marked a playful symbolic choice by the Royal Mint, pairing Britain's smallest native bird with its smallest monetary coin. Prior to this popular overhaul, the farthing had continuously utilized the classic seated Britannia imagery common to larger copper denominations. Collectors should note that because this coin was struck in the middle of World War II, its metal composition is highly susceptible to uneven toning and spotting from everyday storage. High-grade specimens from 1941 that still retain a brilliant, original mint luster or an even chocolate-brown finish remain highly prized by pre-decimal enthusiasts.