3 Pence - Elizabeth II (1st Portrait; with "F:D:")

Australia • 3 Pence • Silver (.500) • 1955–1964

Denomination: 3 Pence
Issuer: Australia
Struck: 1955–1964
Composition: Silver (.500)
Currency: Pound
Weight: 1.41 g
Diameter: 16 mm
Catalog refs: KM 57

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1,578coins in the catalog

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Lore

Why it matters

This Australian three pence coin offers a tangible look at a period of transition in currency, featuring the first portrait of the monarch. Collectors often prize these small silver pieces as historical snapshots that represent the intricate coinage systems used before the transition to decimal currency.

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Provenance

Where it came from

The 1955 Australian threepence was minted during the early years of the reign of Queen Elizabeth II. It features the first portrait of the Queen, designed by Mary Gillick, which depicts her wearing a laurel wreath, a stylistic choice intended to evoke the classical tradition of Roman coinage. This transition to the new monarch's likeness marked a significant moment in Australian numismatic history as the nation moved away from the imagery of King George VI.

This specific issue includes the Latin inscription 'F:D:', standing for 'Fidei Defensor' or 'Defender of the Faith.' Its inclusion on Australian coinage was a point of contention in the mid-1950s, leading to its eventual removal in 1964. The coin was produced by the Melbourne branch of the Royal Mint, reflecting the technical standards of Commonwealth coinage of that era, and served as a daily-use denomination until the decimalization of Australian currency in 1966.

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About

About 3 Pence - Elizabeth II (1st Portrait; with "F:D:")

3 Pence - Elizabeth II (1st Portrait; with "F:D:") is a coin in the Coins catalog on collecto.rs. Australia • 3 Pence • Silver (.500) • 1955–1964. Catalog data is sourced from Numista. No collectors on collecto.rs publicly track this coin yet — adding yours would make you the first.

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Where does the 3 Pence - Elizabeth II (1st Portrait; with "F:D:") catalog entry come from?

The catalog entry for 3 Pence - Elizabeth II (1st Portrait; with "F:D:") is sourced from Numista. Catalog-level facts stay consistent across every collector; your own data (condition, edition, acquisition notes) is yours.