British Silver Maundy Threepence, Queen Elizabeth II
Coin/Bullion (Maundy Money) · The Royal Mint, United Kingdom. The Royal Mint is the government-owned mint that produces coins for the UK; its history spans over 1,100 years.
Pattern: Maundy Money Series, Mary Gillick Portrait Obverse
Type
Coin/Bullion (Maundy Money)
Maker
The Royal Mint, United Kingdom. The Royal Mint is the government-owned mint that produces coins for the UK; its history spans over 1,100 years.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). Unlike standard circulating silver-colored British coins after 1946 which are cupro-nickel, Maundy coins remain sterling silver.
Dimensions
Diameter: approximately 16.3 mm; Weight: approximately 1.5 grams.
Description
A delicate and historically significant silver coin issued as part of the Royal Maundy ceremony. This threepence piece is a tiny marvel of numismatic art, maintaining the traditional sterling silver composition long after it was abandoned for general circulation.
Key Features
Small diameter, crowned denomination numeral, sterling silver content, and the specific Gillick 'First Portrait' of the Queen.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). Unlike standard circulating silver-colored British coins after 1946 which are cupro-nickel, Maundy coins remain sterling silver.
Finish & Decoration
Specimen or Proof-like finish; the obverse features the 'laureate' bust of Queen Elizabeth II facing right. The reverse typically features a crowned numeral '3' within a wreath of oak and laurel.
Hallmarks & Stamps
No silver hallmarks as it is legal tender; identified by the legend 'ELIZABETH II DEI GRA: BRITT: OMN: REGINA F: D:' (or shortened versions depending on the specific year).
Construction Details
Struck by the Royal Mint using precision-engraved dies; features a smooth/plain edge unlike the milled edge of standard fractional currency.
Functional Features
Legal tender in the United Kingdom, though traditionally gifted by the monarch during the Royal Maundy service on Maundy Thursday.
Handle & Grip Details
None; small numismatic coin form.
Craftsmanship Details
High-relief striking with sharp detail in the laurel wreath and the Queen's hair; indicative of the high-quality control of the Royal Mint's specimen striking process.
Authentication Indicators
Correct diameter and portrait style; distinctive smooth edge typical of Maundy threepence issues compared to the scalloped or rounded circulating variations.
Origin & Manufacturing
Llantrisant, Wales (modern) or Tower Hill, London (historical), United Kingdom.
Era & Period
Modern Elizabethan Era / New Second Elizabethan Age (Post-1953).
Age Estimate
Circa 1953-2022; the specific portrait suggests an early to mid-reign issue.
Cultural Significance
Represents one of the oldest religious and royal traditions in Britain, where the Monarch provides alms to local pensioners in recognition of their service to the community.
Condition Notes
Appears to be in 'About Uncirculated' to 'Uncirculated' condition with light surface tarnish; typical for Maundy pieces as they are rarely used in trade and usually kept as keepsakes. Grade: Very Good.
Value Estimate
Typically ranges from $15.00 to $45.00 USD for individual modern pieces; complete year sets (1d, 2d, 3d, 4d) command significantly higher prices.
Care & Maintenance
Avoid cleaning or polishing with abrasives to preserve numismatic value; store in an acid-free PVC-free flip or capsule to prevent further tarnish.
Similar Pieces
Circulating silver threepence (pre-1946), Cupro-nickel threepence, and modern Silver Proof commemorative coins.
Interesting Facts
The number of Maundy coins distributed to each recipient corresponds to the current age of the Monarch. They are handed out in two leather purses: one red and one white.