After the abdication of Edward VIII in 1936, his younger brother George VI acceded to the throne. George VI chose the same regnal name as their father to restore faith in the monarchy and went on to reign throughout the Second World War.

The reverse design that appears on this farthing was originally intended for the coinage of Edward VIII but the king abdicated before any coins could be produced for circulation featuring his portrait. As a result, the wren farthing was used on the coins of George VI’s reign instead and it became one of the most-loved designs to enter circulation.