Summary

Proof 3 Pence, Issued by, Fiji, 1947
Minted by Royal Mint, London

Obverse Description

Crowned head of the King facing left; around, GEORGE VI KING EMPEROR; the artist's initials PM, below bust truncation

Reverse Description

At centre between palm trees a Fijian bure (a local dwelling); around above FIJI 1947; around below, THREE PENCE

Edge Description

Plain

Significance

The 3 pence denomination was not introduced in 1934 with other Fijian coins. In part this was for fear that this high denomination would be used in pricing rather than the penny or halfpenny. Later World War II forced delay and it was not until 1947 that the introduction was agreed to. The shape and alloy of the coin were the same as the British 3 pence coin but it is thinner and has a crowned portrait of the King. The reverse was designed by Mr. W.A. Berry of the New Zealand Numismatic Society (master tools modelled by Percy Metcalf). The coins, though dated 1947 were struck in February 1948. 40,000 pieces were struck for circulation and a small number of Proof of Record pieces for public collections.

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