The nickel brass threepence was introduced in 1937 specifically to replace the small silver threepence, which the public had long complained about losing in coat linings and trouser pockets. The new coin's twelve-sided profile was a deliberate solution — easy to distinguish by touch from the farthing in a dark pocket or purse. Production continued through the war years, though with considerable disruption to mint output as Royal Mint facilities were partly redirected toward war production and briefly relocated to Aberystwyth and Llantrisant.
The "IND:IMP" obverse designation — indicating George VI's title as Emperor of India — was dropped after 1948 following Indian independence.
The nickel brass threepence was introduced in 1937 specifically to replace the small silver threepence, which the public had long complained about losing in coat linings and trouser pockets. The new coin's twelve-sided profile was a deliberate solution — easy to distinguish by touch from the farthing in a dark pocket or purse. Production continued through the war years, though with considerable disruption to mint output as Royal Mint facilities were partly redirected toward war production and briefly relocated to Aberystwyth and Llantrisant.
The "IND:IMP" obverse designation — indicating George VI's title as Emperor of India — was dropped after 1948 following Indian independence.