The British 1923 Farthing, designed by Bertram Mackennal, featured Britannia—a symbol of empire—amid post-WWI recovery. In 1923, political instability followed Prime Minister Bonar Law’s resignation, reflecting uncertainty mirrored in the modest farthing’s role in daily life. The coin’s copper composition aligned with economic caution and post-war austerity.
Economically, the British 1923 Farthing marked Britain’s struggle with inflation and rebuilding. Mackennal’s classical Britannia design projected continuity and strength. As the empire faced social and economic shifts, the British 1923 Farthing remained a low-denomination staple, subtly reinforcing national identity through its enduring design and metal choice.