Threepence (Brass Threepence)

United Kingdom · 1955

A distinctive dodecagonal (12-sided) yellow-gold colored coin featuring the portrait of Queen Elizabeth II and a crowned portcullis.

Country: United Kingdom
Year: 1955
Denomination: 3 Pence (Threepence)
Metal: Nickel-brass (79% Copper, 20% Zinc, 1% Nickel)

This report is AI-generated and can be wrong. Always verify grade, authenticity, and value with a qualified dealer or certified grading service before buying, selling, or insuring.

Identified May 13, 2026More united kingdom coins →

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Overview

A distinctive dodecagonal (12-sided) yellow-gold colored coin featuring the portrait of Queen Elizabeth II and a crowned portcullis.

Historical significance

This coin represents the early reign of Queen Elizabeth II and was a staple of British pre-decimal currency until the transition to decimalization in 1971. The 12-sided shape was introduced in 1937 to make it easily distinguishable from other coins in the dark during WWII.

Obverse (front)

The first laureate portrait of Queen Elizabeth II facing right, designed by Mary Gillick. Legend: + ELIZABETH · II · DEI · GRATIA · REGINA · F:D:

Reverse (back)

A crowned portcullis with chains, a badge of the House of Tudor. Legend: THREE PENCE 1955. Designer: William Gardner (monogram 'WG' visible below portcullis).

Estimated value

$0.25-$1.00 in circulated condition; $5.00-$15.00 in high Uncirculated (MS-63+) grades.

What drives this coin's value

Condition (grade) is the primary factor. While 1955 is a common year, specimens in original mint luster (bright yellow) command a premium.

Grade assessment

Extremely Fine (XF) / About Uncirculated (AU). Shows very light wear on the highest points of the hair and the portcullis details, but retains sharp legends and significant design detail.

Mintage & rarity

77,750,400; Common.

Authenticity & counterfeit red flags

Authenticity is rarely an issue for this common date. Check for the sharp 12-sided edges; counterfeits often have softer geometric definitions. Weight should be near 6.8g.

Notable varieties & errors

No major die varieties for 1955; however, collectors look for 'proof' versions from mint sets which have a mirror-like finish.

Similar coins

Often confused with the smaller silver threepence used earlier in history, or later decimal 20p and 50p coins which are also multi-sided but made of cupro-nickel.

Care & preservation

Do not clean or polish the coin as it removes the original patina and destroys numismatic value. Store in a PVC-free coin flip or acid-free paper envelope in a dry environment.