Silver Threepence Coins
The silver Threepence coin has been a part of British history for hundreds of years. Affectionately known as the "threepenny bit", “thruppence” or “thrupenny bit”, the Threepence coin was worth “3d” – three old pence Sterling, or one eightieth of a Pound Sterling.
Covering a number of fascinating monarchs, Threepence coins were fairly common at the time, but became a more limited coin. For numismatic collectors they will make a fine addition to any coin collection.
The first Threepence coins appeared as part of King Edward VI’s ‘fine silver coinage’. As a quarter of a shilling, the coin was a useful denomination, but struggled to gain popularity to begin with against the more popular Groat (four pence).
Queen Elizabeth I reintroduced the Threepence during her third coinage in 1561. Generally a silver threepenny bit from this period would have been hammered. Some very rare milled Threepence coins do however exist from this same period.
The Threepence saw more frequent circulation from 1638, during the reign of Charles I. Threepence coins were minted in Aberystwyth, Bristol, Exeter and Oxford. Issues from Bristol and Exeter in particular are quite rare.
From this period on, the Threepence saw regular mintages, before finally being discontinued and demonetised in August 1971.
Information Pack
Find out more about us with an information pack sent direct to you through the post.
Request Pack
Newsletter
Sign up for our latest news, insights, updates and offers.
