BRITISH, Hanover. Victoria, 1837-1901. 1/3 Farthing 1885 (Bronze, 15 mm, 0.94 g, 12 h), struck for use in Malta, London. VICTORIA D. G. - BRITT. REG. F. D. Laureate head of Victoria to left. Rev. ONE THIRD / FARTHING / 1885 Denomination and date within an oak wreath and beneath a crown. KM 750. SCBC 3960. A beautifully preserved and fresh example with delightful luster. In NGC encapsulation, graded MS 65 RB. Top Pop. Virtually as struck.


The 1/3 Farthing struck for Malta is one of the most unusual denominations in the British imperial coinage system, created specifically to suit the island’s local economy, where very small transactions remained common well into the 19th century.

It represented the smallest circulating denomination of the British Empire, reflecting Britain’s willingness to adapt its monetary system to regional traditions within the empire. Today, the tiny coin is especially prized by collectors for its odd denomination, diminutive size, and distinctly colonial character.