United Kingdom Sterling Silver Maundy Threepence, Reign of Queen Elizabeth II
Coin/Bullion · The Royal Mint, United Kingdom. Founded over 1,100 years ago, it is the primary mint for British coinage with a reputation for extreme precision and high-grade silver commemorative issues.
Pattern: Maundy Money series; Queen Elizabeth II First Portrait by Mary Gillick (obverse) and crowned '3' within oak wreath (reverse).
Type
Coin/Bullion
Maker
The Royal Mint, United Kingdom. Founded over 1,100 years ago, it is the primary mint for British coinage with a reputation for extreme precision and high-grade silver commemorative issues.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). Consists of 92.5% silver and 7.5% copper. Weight for this denomination is approximately 1.5 grams.
Dimensions
Diameter: 16.3 mm; Weight: 1.41 grams (0.045 troy ounces). It is significantly smaller and thinner than a standard US dime.
Description
This diminutive sterling silver coin is a 3-pence piece from the Royal Maundy collection. Known for its historical connection to the British Monarch's charity, these coins are struck specifically for the Maundy Thursday service. Unlike the nickel-brass dodecagonal threepence used in everyday commerce until 1971, this silver version is a collector's item with a mirror-like field and frosted relief.
Key Features
Plain edge (unreeded), Sterling Silver composition (unusual for British post-1946 coinage), and the crowned '3' reverse motif.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). Consists of 92.5% silver and 7.5% copper. Weight for this denomination is approximately 1.5 grams.
Finish & Decoration
Specimen or Proof-like finish. Features a relief portrait of the monarch on the obverse and a crowned numeral '3' surrounded by a tied oak wreath on the reverse. The edges are plain (unreeded), which is a common trait for Maundy silver.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Not hallmarked in the traditional sense; as legal tender currency, its purity is guaranteed by the Royal Mint. It features the Latin inscription 'ELIZABETH II DEI GRA:BRITT:OMN:REGINA F:D:' on the obverse.
Construction Details
Die-struck at high pressure using specially polished dies. The precision and sharp relief suggest it was produced as part of a Maundy set rather than for general circulation.
Functional Features
Legal tender in the UK, although it carries a much higher numismatic and silver value than its 3-pence face value. Contains no mechanical parts.
Handle & Grip Details
None (coin form). Highly susceptible to skin oils which can cause localized toning.
Craftsmanship Details
Exceptional die-engraving quality. The fine detail in the oak leaves and the delicate features of the portrait demonstrate the high standards of the Royal Mint's artist-engravers.
Authentication Indicators
Alignment of the Gillick portrait, the specific font used in the Latin legend, and the distinctive size/thickness profile. The lack of reeding on the edge is a primary diagnostic for silver Maundy threepenny pieces.
Origin & Manufacturing
Llantrisant, Wales (or Tower Hill, London depending on year); United Kingdom. Produced by the Royal Mint.
Era & Period
Modern Elizabethan Era. The design reflects mid-20th-century British numismatic traditions, following the ancient custom of the Royal Maundy service.
Age Estimate
Circa 1953-1970 based on the 'Young Head' Mary Gillick portrait, though Maundy sets continue to be produced annually.
Cultural Significance
Represents the continuity of the British Monarchy and the medieval tradition of 'maundatum' (the Commandment of Christ). It is one of the few silver denominations to maintain its sterling purity long after general silver coinage was debased.
Condition Notes
Very Good to Fine. Shows significant surface scratches, tarnish, and 'bag marks.' The image shows heavy handling and some loss of original luster. No major dents but considerable surface wear from being stored loose.
Value Estimate
$20 - $45 USD depending on the specific year and degree of wear. Rare years or 'Uncirculated' set pieces can command higher prices.
Care & Maintenance
Do not polish with abrasives. For silver coins, a gentle dip in professional coin cleaner is optional, but most collectors prefer the natural 'patina.' Store in a PVC-free plastic flip or capsule to prevent further scratching.
Similar Pieces
Standard circulation cupro-nickel sixpences or the brass threepenny bit. The silver version is distinguished by its smaller size and much brighter, white-silver color.
Interesting Facts
The Royal Maundy is an ancient ceremony where the Monarch distributes silver coins to elderly citizens—one man and one woman for each year of the Sovereign's age.