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.
More Information
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Collecting Areas
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Acquisition Information
Transfer from National Gallery of Victoria (NGV), Melbourne Branch of Royal Mint, 15 Mar 1976
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Date Issued
1947 AD
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Issued By
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Mint
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Artist
Percy Metcalfe CVO - Royal Mint, London, Great Britain, 1937
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Artist
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Denomination
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Series
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Material
Nickel Brass
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Axis
12
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Classification
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Category
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Discipline
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Type of item
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Dimensions
21.5 mm (Outside Diameter), 6.146 g (Weight)
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Shape
12 sided
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References
KM#15 79th Annual Report of the Deputy Master and Comptroller of the Royal Mint, 1948, His Majesty's Stationary Office, London, 1950, p.4-5, 15.
[Book] Bruce, Colin R. 2009. 2009 Standard Catalogue of World Coins 1901 - 2000.
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Keywords
British Commonwealth Coins, British Commonwealth and Empire Coins, Pacific Islands