British threepence coin
| Value | 1⁄80 pound sterling |
|---|---|
| Mass | (Silver) 1.4 - 1.5 g (Nickel-brass) 6.8 g |
| Diameter | (Silver) 16.20 mm (Nickel-brass) 21.0–21.8 mm |
| Thickness | (Nickel-brass) 2.5 mm |
| Edge | Plain |
| Composition | (1816–1919) 92.5% Ag (1920–1946) 50% Ag (1947–1970) Nickel-brass (79% Cu, 20% Zn, and 1% Ni) |
| Years of minting | 1547–1970 |
| Obverse | |
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| Design | Profile of the monarch |
| Reverse | |
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| Design | Various |
The British threepence (3d) coin, usually simply known as a threepence or threepenny bit, was a unit of currency equaling one eightieth of a pound sterling, or three old pence sterling. It was used in the United Kingdom, and earlier in Great Britain and England. Similar denominations were later used throughout the British Empire, notably in Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa.
The sum of three pence was pronounced variously /ˈθruːpɛns/ THROO-pens, /ˈθrɛpɛns/ THREP-ens or /ˈθrʌpɛns/ THRUP-ens, reflecting different pronunciations in the various regions and nations of the United Kingdom. Likewise, the coin was often referred to in conversation as a /ˈθruːpni/ THROOP-nee, /ˈθrɛpni/ THREP-nee or /ˈθrʌpni/ THRUP-nee bit.
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