3 Pence - Edward VI 3rd period, London mint

The threepence as a denomination was itself a novelty here — Edward VI's fine silver coinage of 1551 introduced the threepence and sixpence to England for the first time as regular circulation issues. The decision came as part of a broader recoinage intended to restore confidence after the catastrophic debasements of Henry VIII's later years, which had reduced silver content so severely that coins turned copper-colored on the skin.

Production ran barely two years before Edward's death in July 1553 ended the series. Surviving examples are correspondingly scarce, with the London mint output representing the primary source for collectors.