Description
Here’s a breakdown of both the 1941 and 1957 British Threepence (3d) coins — these are interesting because they represent two different types of metal and design.
🇬🇧 1941 Threepence (George VI)
Key Details:
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Monarch: King George VI
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Metal: Brass (nicknamed the “brass threepence”)
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Composition: 79% copper, 20% zinc, 1% nickel
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Shape: 12-sided (dodecagonal)
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Weight: 6.8 grams
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Diameter: 21 mm
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Minted: High mintage, around 101 million
Design:
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Obverse:
Portrait of King George VI facing left
Inscription: “GEORGIVS VI D:G:BR:OMN:REX F:D:IND:IMP”
(George VI, by the Grace of God, King of all the Britons, Defender of the Faith, Emperor of India) -
Reverse:
A stylized thrift plant (a sea pink flower)
Text: “THREE PENCE 1941”
🇬🇧 1957 Threepence (Elizabeth II)
Key Details:
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Monarch: Queen Elizabeth II
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Metal: Brass (same shape as 1941)
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Composition: Same as above
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Weight: 6.8 grams
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Diameter: 21 mm
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Mintage: About 31 million
Design:
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Obverse:
Young portrait of Queen Elizabeth II by Mary Gillick
Inscription: “ELIZABETH II DEI GRATIA REGINA F:D:” -
Reverse:
Thrift plant again, like earlier brass threepences
Text: “THREE PENCE 1957”
