ObverseImage: Wikimedia Commons · Handige Harry · Public domain
George VI Threepence
South Africa
1937–1952
Reference data compiled from public catalogs
Estimated Melt Value
$1.79
Based on Silver spot price ($79.15/oz) · 50.0% purity · 1.41g
Updated 10:13 PM
Collector premium not included
Specifications
| Country | South Africa |
| Years Minted | 1937–1952 |
| Composition | 50% silver |
| Weight | 1.41 g |
| Diameter | 16 mm |
| Shape | Round |
| Edge | Reeded |
Design
Obverse
Bust of King George VI facing left, with the inscription including his name and titles.
Reverse
South African coat of arms surrounded by the country's name and denomination.
History & Notable Facts
The 1937-1952 South African threepence was struck in silver until 1947, a practical choice that reflected lingering British colonial influences in the design.
That silver content meant these coins carried a melt value sometimes higher than their face worth, leading to hoarding during metal shortages. The obverse featured George VI's portrait, while the reverse showed the protea flower, South Africa's national emblem, all minted at the Pretoria branch of the Royal Mint. Production varied by year, with some dates like 1942 seeing reduced output due to World War II demands.
Exact mintage figures for certain years remain unclear, as records from that era are spotty. Still, the coin's modest size—about 21 millimeters across—made it unassuming in circulation.
A word on myths: no, it wasn't cursed or blessed; it was just currency.
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