Threepence, King George III, Coin Type from United Kingdom - detailed information

Threepence, King George III, Coin Type from United Kingdom (issued 1817 - 1820)
Coin TypeThreepence, King George III

The pre-decimal threepence (3d), usually simply known as a threepence or threepenny bit, was a unit of currency equalling one eightieth of a pound sterling, or three pence sterling. It was used in the United Kingdom, and earlier in Great Britain and England.

Coins of the same size and virtually the same design (but with proof-like finish) have been issued regularly since 1817 and continue to be released every year as part of Maundy sets; these are listed separately under Maundy Threepence in the NCLT section; apart from the surface quality, they are indistinguishable.

Threepence coins issued during the reign of King George III differ from the later issues in that part of the monarch's legend is transferred to the reverse.

The composition is Sterling Silver (0.925 silver) and the coins have 0.0420 oz ASW (ounce of Absolute Silver Weight).

Obverse
United Kingdom / Threepence, King George III - obverse photo

Within a beaded border, the obverse of the coin shows the laureate head of King George III facing right.

Below, the date of issue [year]. Around left and right, part of the monarch's legend: GEORGIVS III DEI GRATIA (translated from Latin: George the Third, by the Grace of God).

Obverse Inscription GEORGIVS III DEI GRATIA [year]
Reverse
United Kingdom / Threepence, King George III - reverse photo

At centre, the numeral value 3 [pence] below a St Edward's Crown; named after Saint Edward the Confessor, it has been traditionally used to crown English and British monarchs at their coronations since the 13th century (with a two-century gap between 1689 and 1911).

Within a beaded border around, divided by the crown, the rest of the monarch's legend: ยท BRITANNIARUM REX FID. DEF. (translated from Latin: King of Britain, Defender of the Faith).

Reverse Inscription 3 REX FID DEF BRITANNIARUM
EdgePlainEdge InscriptionNone
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Threepence, King George III: Details
CountryUnited Kingdom
CurrencyPound Sterling (pre-decimal)
Sub-type ofThreepence, Circulating
From1817
To1820
Face Value3 (x Penny)
CurrentNo (demonetised 1971)
Material0.925 Silver
DesignerJean Baptiste Merlen
TechnologyMilled (machine-made)
ShapeRound
OrientationCoin Alignment (Axis 6)
Size
Mass1.4100 g
Threepence, King George III: Photos
ImageDetails
Threepence, King George III: Photo Coin - Threepence, George III, Great Britain, 1818 Coin - Threepence, George III, Great Britain, 1818
Copyright: Museums Victoria / CC BY
Author:
Source
Threepence, King George III: Photo Coin - Threepence, George III, Great Britain, 1818 Coin - Threepence, George III, Great Britain, 1818
Copyright: Museums Victoria / CC BY
Author:
Source