Lot #524: UK 1937 Three Pence Coin - George VI - Thrift Plant - Dodecagonal (Twelve-Sided)

Obverse: Features the "Uncrowned Portrait" of King George VI facing left, designed by Thomas Humphrey Paget. The King’s profile is rendered with a clean, modern aesthetic. The inscription reads GEORGIVS VI D:G:BR:OMN:REX F:D:IND:IMP. ("George V, by the Grace of God, King of all the Britons, Defender of the Faith, Emperor of India"). Reverse: Features a stylized "Thrift plant" (also known as Sea Pink) with three flowering heads, designed by Madge Kitchener. This design was chosen to symbolize the thriftiness and resilience of the British people. The inscription reads THREE PENCE with the date 1937 split on either side of the plant. The 1937 United Kingdom threepence (or "threepenny bit") is a landmark coin in British numismatics. It represents the first year of the reign of King George VI and introduced the revolutionary 12-sided nickel-brass design that would become a beloved symbol of British currency until decimalization. Before 1937, the threepence was a tiny silver coin that was easily lost and unpopular with the public. This large, chunky, 12-sided (dodecagonal) version was introduced specifically to be easily distinguishable from other coins by touch and sight. 1937 was the coronation year for George VI. While a silver version was still minted in small quantities (mostly for colonial use and Maundy money), the "brass threepence" became the standard for domestic circulation. It was the first non-round coin to circulate in Britain since the time of Charles II. Dimensions: Nickel-Brass. 21 mm. 6.6 g. Pickup category timeslot {A}