3 Pence - Elizabeth I 3rd and 4th issues

The 3rd and 4th issues of Elizabeth I's silver coinage fall within the period when the Crown was still rebuilding trust after the catastrophic debasements of Henry VIII and Edward VI. The recoinage of 1560–61 had replaced the debased currency, and these subsequent issues were struck to the restored sterling standard — a deliberate policy under Cecil and the Exchequer to stabilize domestic trade and foreign exchange rates.

The threepence denomination itself was an Elizabethan innovation, first introduced in 1551 under Edward VI but only finding its footing as a regular circulating piece under Elizabeth. Distinguishing 3rd from 4th issue specimens frequently comes down to the bust type and mintmark sequence, with the 4th issue running from the coronet mark through to the Latin cross.