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Collectors Guide

Elizabeth II Threepence

The Elizabeth II threepence includes both the earlier brass twelve-sided coins and the later issues struck during the transition to decimal currency. With its distinctive shape and thrift plant reverse, the brass threepence is one of the most recognisable coins of the period. This page provides an overview of Elizabeth II threepence coins, including specifications, varieties and collector guidance.

Introduction

The Elizabeth II Threepence was struck from 1953 to 1967 in the twelve-sided brass format introduced under George VI. This page provides an overview of the Elizabeth II Threepence series, including the 1953 obverse varieties, design details, and year-by-year reference images.

The thrupenny bit, as it was universally known, was a familiar and beloved part of everyday British life throughout the 1950s and 1960s, most famous for its traditional inclusion in Christmas puddings. Its distinctive dodecagonal shape made it immediately identifiable by touch. The series ran without major design change from accession to the eve of decimalisation.

  • 1953 – Two obverses recorded. Most high-grade survivors are Obverse 1 ex plastic set; Obverse 2 is scarcer in top condition.
  • 1954–1967 – Annual production in a consistent twelve-sided brass format, withdrawn at decimalisation in 1971.

Collectors seeking truly choice examples of 1954, 1956, 1958, and 1959 should be prepared for a prolonged search.

Coinage Details

Design — The obverse throughout the series carries the portrait of Queen Elizabeth II by Mary Gillick. The reverse, designed by William Gardner, depicts a crowned portcullis with chains — a traditional symbol of Parliament and the Royal Mint — with the denomination 3d below.

1953 — Two obverses are recorded for the Coronation year threepence, consistent with the pattern seen across the other denominations. Obverse 2 coins in high grade are less commonly encountered; most uncirculated pieces in the market originate from the presentation sets of that year.

1954–1967 — The threepence was struck annually through to 1967, its final year of production before decimalisation rendered it redundant. The coin had no direct decimal equivalent and was demonetised in August 1971, shortly after Decimal Day.

Elizabeth II Threepence Issues

1953 Obv 1 1953 Obv 1
1953 Obv 2 1953 Obv 2
1954 1954
1955 1955
1956 1956
1957 1957
1958 1958
1959 1959
1960 1960
1961 1961
1962 1962
1963 1963
1964 1964
1965 1965
1966 1966
1967 1967

Specifications

Years Issued 1953–1967
Diameter 21.8 mm
Weight 6.8 g
Shape 12-sided (dodecagonal)
Edge Plain
Alloy Copper: 79%, Zinc: 20% Nickel: 1%
Obverse Designer Mary Gillick
Reverse Designer William Maving Gardner

Year-by-Year Reference

1953

Two obverses identified:

Obverse 1 was originally the scarcer of the two 1953 coins, as it was only found in the plastic sets, and 1.3 million of those were issued, compared to more than 30 million Obverse 2s. As circulation took its toll, and as more plastic sets were split, Obverse 1 gradually became commoner in high grade. It is now quite unusual to find an Uncirculated Obverse 2. Not Rare, by any means, but unusual.

This is not an easy variety to distinguish, particularly on more worn specimens.


1953 Varieties
1953 Obverse 1 Left
Obverse 1
  • I of LIZ some distance from corner
  • Corner to one side of H of BETH
  • Shallow portrait
 1953 Obverse 1 Right
1953 Obverse 2 Left
Obverse 2
  • I of LIZ closer to corner
  • Corner more central to H of BETH
  • Recut portrait
 1953 Obverse 2 Right

1954

1954 Threepence
Obverse Reverse
1954 Threepence Obverse 1954 Threepence Reverse

1955

1955 Threepence
Obverse Reverse
1955 Threepence Obverse 1955 Threepence Reverse

1956

1956 Threepence
Obverse Reverse
1956 Threepence Obverse 1956 Threepence Reverse

1957

1957 Threepence
Obverse Reverse
1957 Threepence Obverse 1957 Threepence Reverse

1958

1958 Threepence
Obverse Reverse
1958 Threepence Obverse 1958 Threepence Reverse

1959

1959 Threepence
Obverse Reverse
1959 Threepence Obverse 1959 Threepence Reverse

1960

1960 Threepence
Obverse Reverse
1960 Threepence Obverse 1960 Threepence Reverse

1961

1961 Threepence
Obverse Reverse
1961 Threepence Obverse 1961 Threepence Reverse

1962

1962 Threepence
Obverse Reverse
1962 Threepence Obverse 1962 Threepence Reverse

1963

1963 Threepence
Obverse Reverse
1963 Threepence Obverse 1963 Threepence Reverse

1964

1964 Threepence
Obverse Reverse
1964 Threepence Obverse 1964 Threepence Reverse

1965

1965 Threepence
Obverse Reverse
1965 Threepence Obverse 1965 Threepence Reverse

1966

1966 Threepence
Obverse Reverse
1966 Threepence Obverse 1966 Threepence Reverse

1967

1967 Threepence
Obverse Reverse
1967 Threepence Obverse 1967 Threepence Reverse

References

Attributions and variety identifications for the George V Halfcrown 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
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