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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. Maundy Threepence have been issued for centuries (they are still being struck today for ceremonial purposes), and initially the circulating threepence were identical in design. Starting in 1927, they were made different - first with a design featuring three oak sprigs then one with a Tudor Rose, while the Maundy threepence continued with the traditional crowned numeral reverse. By the end of King George V's reign the threepence had become unpopular in England because of its small size, but it remained popular in Scotland. It was consequently decided to introduce a more substantial threepenny coin which would have a more convenient weight/value ratio than the silver coinage. During the reign of King George VI, the new nickel-brass threepence format took over the bulk of the production of the denomination, being produced in all years between 1937 and 1952 except 1947. The silver threepence continued to be minted in parallel until 1945, as there may have been some uncertainty about how well the new coin would be accepted. A new reverse type, featuring a portcullis, replaced this design for the reign of Queen Elizabeth II. Threepence coins issued in 1937 circulated for 34 years until "Decimal Day", 15 February 1971, and ceased to be legal tender after 31 August 1971. Unlike some of the larger denominations, they were not re-denominated to a decimal value when the decimal Pound Sterling was introduced. | ||||||||||||
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Variety | Proof | |
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Mintage | Issued: 26,402 (included in total) | |
In Set |
Specimen Coins 1937, mintage 26,402
15 coins: Crown, Half Crown, Two Shillings, English Shilling, Scottish Shilling, Sixpence, Threepence Silver, Threepence Brass, Penny, Half Penny, Farthing, Maundy Fourpence, Maundy Threepence, Maundy Twopence, Maundy Penny | |
Variety | Matte proof | |
Mintage | Issued: unknown. Rarity: R7 (Highest rarity possible, 3 or less examples known) | |
Details | According to Spink, "of highest rarity". According to Krause, "there are reportedly 2-4 known of this variety, struck specifically for use in photographs". | |
In Set |
Specimen Coins 1937 (Matte Proof), mintage unknown
15 coins: Crown, Half Crown, Two Shillings, English Shilling, Scottish Shilling, Sixpence, Threepence Silver, Threepence Brass, Penny, Half Penny, Farthing, Maundy Fourpence, Maundy Threepence, Maundy Twopence, Maundy Penny |
Source | Edition | About | Link | Notes |
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Remick, Catalogue of British Commonwealth Coins | 1971 | Mint | ||
Remick, Catalogue of British Commonwealth Coins | 1971 | Mintage | Circulation and proof mintage | |
Remick, Catalogue of British Commonwealth Coins | 1971 | Varieties | Proof | |
Spink, Coins of England and the United Kingdom | Varieties | Matte proof |
UK coin dealer supplying high quality and carefully graded antique coins to the discerning collector |
Country | United Kingdom |
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Currency | Pound Sterling (pre-decimal) |
Coin Type | Threepence, Brass, Thrift Plant |
Issued | 1937 |
Monarch | King George VI |
Effigy | King George VI - Bare Head, by Thomas Humphrey Paget |
Face Value | 3 (x Penny) |
Circulation Mintage | 45,707,957 (45.7 million) |
Total Mintage | 45,734,359 (45.7 million) |
Current | No; demonetised 1971 |
Material | Nickel Brass (Neusilber) |
Designer | Francis Madge Kitchener |
Technology | Milled (machine-made) |
Shape | Dodecagonal (12-sided) |
Orientation | Medal Alignment (Axis 0) |
Size | 21.8000 mm |
Thickness | 2.6000 mm |
Mass | 6.8000 g |
OCC ID | RDKL-MOMK-CQPB-ONZB |
Buy Silver Bullion Online |
Image | Details |
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Great Britain 1937 3 pence KM-849
Copyright: CoinFactsWiki / CC BY-SA Author: Heritage Auction Galleries Notes: Matte proof. Source |
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Great Britain 1937 3 pence KM-849
Copyright: CoinFactsWiki / CC BY-SA Author: Heritage Auction Galleries Notes: Matte proof. Source |
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Coin, Great Britain, George VI, 3 Pence, 1937
Copyright: NumisCorner.com Source |
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Coin, Great Britain, George VI, 3 Pence, 1937
Copyright: NumisCorner.com Source |
Source | Reference ID |
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Spink, Coins of England and the United Kingdom | 4112 |
Krause, Standard Catalog of World Coins | Great Britain KM# 849 |