Quick Coinage Facts
Years Minted: 1953-1964
Composition: 0.50 silver
Diameter Type: 16 mm
Weight: 1.41 grams (0227 ounces of silver)
Total Series Mintage: 243,096,000 (circulation)
Obverse Design: Bust Design
Reverse Design: Wheat Stalks
Unique Features: Reeded
Introduction
On February 6, 1952, King George VI of the United Kingdom passed away in his sleep. Upon his death, his daughter Elizabeth assumed the crown to become Queen Elizabeth II. As is tradition, United Kingdom and Common Wealth Nation coinage replaced the effigy of King George the VI with Queen Elizabeth II on all denominations in the following year of 1953. Australia, being a Common Wealth Nation, likewise updated their coinage.
The Elizabeth II silver threepence minted from 1953 to 1964 at the Melbourne Mint represents the last threepence type coin of the pre-decimal or sterling monetary system.
During 1963, Australia initiated the change from sterling coinage to decimal currency. All sterling coinage (florins, shillings & pence) would cease to be produced in 1964. A two year change over period was given to allow for a smooth transition to decimal coinage (dollars & cents) in 1966 without impacting businesses, banks, or vending.
Description
The obverse, designed by Mary Gillick, features the image of a young Queen Elizabeth II facing right. On the outer periphery is the legend “DEI GRATIA REGINA F:D” (By the Grace of God, Queen, Defender of the Faith) and “ELIZABETH II”.
The reverse, designed by George Kruger Gray, features three wheat stalks seperating the year of issue and a ribbon binding the three stalks which was a symbolic representation of Australia's strong agriculture. Beneath either side of the ribbon are the designer’s initials “K” and “G” while on the outer periphery is the denomination “THREEPENCE” and “AUSTRALIA”.
| Obverse | Reverse |
|---|---|
| |
 |
Major Varieties
Initially, the legend was modified by eliminating the religious title “FIDEI DEFENSOR” or “F:D” from Elizabeth II coinage. The amount of controversy among the public was enough to have the religious title return to coinage in 1955 until the series end in 1964.
Variety 1 – 1953-1954 No “F:D” in legend
Variety 2 – 1955-1964 With “F:D” in legend
General Market Notes
Excluding proofs & errors, the key to the series is the 1954 issue but even this remains affordable to most collectors.
