Introduction
The Edward VII threepence is a small silver coin that was issued for circulation as well as for Maundy sets.
Although modest in size, it has several interesting varieties that collectors look out for today.
The Edward VII Threepence was struck from 1902 to 1910 in sterling silver (.925), a small but finely struck coin carrying the portrait of Edward VII by George William de Saulles. Valued at one eightieth of a pound, the threepence served both as a circulating coin and as the traditional Maundy denomination. This page provides an overview of the Edward VII Threepence series, including obverse and reverse varieties, key dates, and year-by-year reference images.
The series offers a range of die varieties across multiple dates, with two obverses and multiple reverses recorded. The 1906 date is particularly notable, being the only year in the series with two distinct obverse–reverse combinations recorded in standard references. As with other Edwardian silver denominations, the 1902 was also produced in matt proof format.
Coinage Details
1902–1910 — Annual issues throughout the reign. The threepence is struck to a small but precise standard — 16 mm in diameter — and well-struck high-grade examples show the portrait in crisp detail. The 1906 is the most variety-rich year in the series, with obverse and reverse die combinations documented and differing in scarcity. Collectors are advised to examine border bead alignments and specific letterforms when attributing varieties, using the standard references for die classification.
Specifications
| Years Issued |
1902–1910 |
| Diameter |
16 mm |
| Weight |
1.41 g |
| Edge |
Milled |
| Alloy |
Silver (.925) |
| Obverse Designer |
George William de Saulles |
| Reverse Designer |
George William de Saulles |
Edward VII Threepence
1902
1903
1904 Crossover Mule
1905
1906 1+B
1906 2+B
1907
1908
1909
1910
References
Attributions and variety identifications for the Edward VII Threepence series are based principally on the standard published references listed below.
These works form the core framework for catalogue numbering, die classification, and comparative study.
- Coins of England and the United Kingdom
- ESC – English Silver Coinage
- Bull – English Silver Coinage since 1649
- Davies – British Silver Coins since 1816
