Threepence 1937, Edward VIII (Silver), Coin from United Kingdom - detailed information

Threepence 1937, Edward VIII (Silver), Coin from United Kingdom
CoinThreepence 1937, Edward VIII (Silver)

The British threepence (3d) coin, 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. Threepence coins had been issued for a long time as "Maundy" money (non circulating legal tender, distributed in very small amounts by the King or Queen in person), then for regular circulation in Britain since 1845 (earlier circulation pieces were for colonial use only).

By the end of King George V’s reign the threepence had become unpopular in England because of its small size. Although it was still popular in Scotland, the government of the day decided to introduce a more substantial coin which would have a more convenient weight/value ratio than the silver coinage. King Edward VIII expressed his wishes that his coinage would be modern, with new and exciting designs; he hinted at his admiration of the Art Deco style but he also fully understood the conservative nature of the Royal Mint and its traditions. The Royal Mint set about designing the new coins, testing the minting process and, in particular, checking for flaws in the metal flow. A nickel-brass (79% copper, 20% zinc, 1% nickel) twelve-sided threepence coin was introduced, in parallel with the existing silver version which continued to be issued until 1945.

Owing to the early abdication of King Edward VIII, none of the patterns made during his short reign was ever released into circulation. These include both silver and brass versions. Maundy coinage for King Edward VIII was not minted either.

MintRoyal Mint Mint MarkNo mint mark Total Mintage unknown , Rarity: R6 (4 to 8 examples known)
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Obverse
United Kingdom / Threepence 1937, Edward VIII (Silver) - obverse photo

Head and neck of King Edward VIII facing left; below the truncation of the neck, the designer's initials HP (for [Thomas] Humphrey Paget). Around, the legend EDWARDVS VIII D : G : BR : OMN : REX (Edward the Eighth, by the Grace of God, King of all the Britains).

Obverse Inscription EDWARDVS VIII D : G : BR : OMN : REX
Reverse
United Kingdom / Threepence 1937, Edward VIII (Silver) - reverse photo

Three intertwined rings; around above, the rest of the monarch's legend FID · DEF · IND · IMP · (Defender of the Faith, Emperor of India) and the date 1937; around below, the denomination THREE · PENCE. In tiny letters under the rings, the designer's initials K.G. (for [George] Kruger Gray).

Reverse Inscription FID · DEF · IND · IMP · 1937 THREE · PENCE
EdgeEdge Inscription
Notes

Not listed in Krause.

Threepence 1937, Edward VIII (Silver): References to Information Used
SourceEditionAboutLinkNotes
Remick, Catalogue of British Commonwealth Coins 1971 Mint
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Threepence 1937, Edward VIII (Silver): Details
CountryUnited Kingdom
CurrencyPound Sterling (pre-decimal)
Coin TypeThreepence (Pattern)
Issued1937
MonarchKing Edward VIII
EffigyKing Edward VIII - Bare Head, by Thomas Humphrey Paget
Face Value3 (x Penny)
Total Mintageunknown, Rarity: R6 (4 to 8 examples known)
Material0.500 Silver
DesignerGeorge Kruger Gray
TechnologyMilled (machine-made)
ShapeDodecagon - twelve sides
OrientationMedal Alignment (Axis 0)
Size16.0000 mm
Thickness2.5000 mm
Mass1.4100 g
OCC IDNRWK-ZEJN-CDLB-EXGL
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Threepence 1937, Edward VIII (Silver): Photos
ImageDetails
Threepence 1937, Edward VIII (Silver): Photo Edward VIII pattern silver threepence, 1937 / thumbnail Edward VIII pattern silver threepence, 1937
Copyright: Royal Mint Museum
Source
Threepence 1937, Edward VIII (Silver): Photo Edward VIII pattern silver threepence, 1937 / thumbnail Edward VIII pattern silver threepence, 1937
Copyright: Royal Mint Museum
Source
Threepence 1937, Edward VIII (Silver): Catalogue Reference IDs
SourceReference ID
Spink, Coins of England and the United KingdomListed with no reference number; part of set 4063