Description:

This pre-decimal threepence (3d) coin was worth 3 old Pennies (1 quarter of 12 Pennies or 1 shilling) and was made at this time of nickel/brass (a mixture of copper, zinc and nickel).

The 1943 issue of the three-pence piece was a 12-sided coin, with a reverse design of the plant Armeria Maritima and marked as ‘three pence’ with the date included. The obverse side showed a side view of King George VI surrounded by the wording:

‘GEORGIUS VI:D:G:BR:OMN:REX:F:D:IND:IMP

The 3d (pence) coin was usually known as a threepence, thruppence, or thruppenny bit.

Before Decimal Day in 1971 there were two hundred and forty pence in one pound sterling. Twelve pence made a shilling, and twenty shillings made a pound. Values less than a pound were usually written in terms of shillings and pence, e.g., forty-two pence would be calculated as three shillings and six pence (42d divided by 12d = 3 shillings with 6d remaining, this was phrased as “three and six” (and written as 3/6). Values of less than a shilling were simply written in terms of pence (d), e.g. eight pence would be 8d.

Key theme(s):

ChildhoodShopping

More information:

Date 1940s
Material(s) Metal
Item number MBPO330

Questions to help you remember using this item

  • Do you remember the old pre-decimal coins?
  • Did you have a money box to save your pocket money in?

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