Three Pence Appraisal

1942 British Brass Threepence Coin

This item is a bronze twelve-sided (dodecagonal) coin, commonly known as a British Brass Threepence, dated 1942. The coin exhibits a distinct bronzed color with a visible patina consistent with its age and material, suggesting a copper-nickel alloy or similar bronze composition. Its shape is not perfectly round, but rather a polygon with twelve defined edges, which was a specific design feature for this denomination to make it easily recognizable by touch, especially in wartime conditions. The obverse side, which is visible in the image, features three stylized thrift plants (Armeria maritima) depicted as flowers with long stems emerging from a grassy mound. This particular design was introduced in 1937 under King George VI. The inscription "THREE PENCE" is clearly legible, encircling the upper half of the coin's design, with the date "1942" prominently displayed below the thrift plants. The lettering is crisp, indicating good strike quality for its period. In terms of condition, the coin shows moderate wear typical of circulated currency from the mid-20th century. There are no obvious signs of severe damage, such as deep scratches, bends, or significant discoloration beyond the natural patina. The details of the thrift plants and the lettering remain largely intact, though some of the finer lines within the plant design may be slightly softened due to circulation. No specific maker's marks or mint marks are discernible from this view, but these coins were typically minted at the Royal Mint. The uniform patination suggests it has not been extensively cleaned, which is often preferable for collectors. The edges appear well-defined, maintaining the dodecagonal shape. The craftsmanship is indicative of standard coinage production for the period, prioritizing durability and clear legibility.