The farthing is part of a series of coins that included the groat, halfpenny and farthing. At the time, the farthing was the value of a quarter of a penny. This was introduced as an attempt by Edward I to limit the clipping of pennies.

Edward’s life and reign is marked by brutal wars and his fierce temperament. He spent decades quelling the Welsh rebellion headed by Llywelyn ap Gruffudd, the last Welsh king. Edward I also ended 100 years of an amicable relationship between England and Scotland by invading Scotland in 1296. This was his way of retaliating for King John of Scotland seeking alliance with France and signing the Treaty of Paris.

Edward I would spend the last years of his life continuing his rather successful conquest of Scotland. He believed his job was complete in 1305 following his execution of William Wallace, an act made famous in modern pop culture thanks to the Academy Award-winning film Braveheart. However, Robert the Bruce reignited the rebellion in 1306, and on his way to reconquer Scotland, Edward I died on his journey at Burgh by Sands in July 1307.