What it would buy in today's money
Because prices have risen so much, a farthing bought far more in the past than its decimal value suggests:
| Year | A farthing in 2025 prices |
|---|---|
| 1850 | £0.20 |
| 1900 | £0.18 |
| 1938 | £0.10 |
| 1950 | £0.05 |
| 1960 | £0.03 |
| 1970 | £0.02 |
About the farthing
The farthing was worth a quarter of a penny; its name comes from the Old English for “fourthing”. From 1937 it carried a wren on the back, making it one of the most recognisable small coins. By the 1950s it bought almost nothing, and it was withdrawn at the end of 1960.
When it went: Ceased to be legal tender at the end of 1960.
Quick facts
| Value | ¼d |
| Decimal equivalent | about 0.10p |
| Nickname | – |
| Per pound | 960 |
Today's values use the ONS composite price index (Open Government Licence v3.0).
Common questions
How much was a farthing worth in decimal money?
A farthing was worth ¼d, which is about 0.10p in decimal money.
How many farthings were in a pound?
There were 960 farthings in a pound.
What would a farthing from 1950 be worth today?
About £0.05 in 2025 prices, based on ONS price data.
Other old coins
Halfpenny · Penny · Threepenny bit · Sixpence · Shilling · Florin · Half crown · Crown · Ten-shilling note · Sovereign · Guinea