Charles II Silver Threepence 1660–1685

The Charles II Silver Threepence 1660–1685 is a fascinating piece of British silver coinage from the Restoration period. The threepence was a small denomination worth 3 pence, and Charles II's reign saw the transition from traditional hammered coinage to the new milled, machine-struck method of production.

Charles II threepences are particularly interesting to collectors because several distinct types were produced. The early issues include the final hammered threepences of the reign and an undated milled type, while the later milled threepences were dated annually from 1670 to 1684.

Coin Details

• Monarch: Charles II
• Reign: 1660–1685
• Denomination: Threepence
• Value: 3 pence
• Metal: Silver
• Fineness: .925 Sterling Silver
• Weight: Approximately 1.5 grams
• Diameter: Approximately 17mm
• Production: Hammered and milled issues
• Mint: Tower Mint, London
• Period: Restoration of the Monarchy
• Condition: Fine to very Fine

The later milled Charles II threepence has a standard weight of approximately 1.5 grams and a diameter of 17mm.

Design of the Charles II Silver Threepence

The early undated Charles II threepence features a crowned and draped bust of Charles II facing left. The Roman numeral III, representing the denomination, appears behind the king's head.

The surrounding Latin inscription reads:

CAROLVS II D G M B F & H REX

meaning “Charles II by the Grace of God, King of Great Britain, France and Ireland.”

The reverse displays a shield containing the royal arms, surrounded by the Latin inscription:

CHRISTO AVSPICE REGNO

meaning “I reign under the auspices of Christ.”

Later dated milled threepences have a different design. Charles II is shown facing right, wearing a laureate and draped portrait, with the inscription CAROLVS II DEI GRATIA.

The reverse features three interlinked crowned C's, representing the value of threepence. The legend reads MAG BR FRA ET HIB REX, with the date divided by the crown above the design. Dated examples were issued annually from 1670 to 1684.

Hammered and Milled Threepence

The Charles II threepence is particularly significant because it demonstrates the major changes taking place at the Royal Mint during the Restoration.

The earliest threepences of the reign continued the traditional hammered method of manufacture. These were among the final hammered English coins, produced during the early years following the Restoration.

The introduction of mechanised minting then brought a new generation of more regular milled coins. The Royal Mint explains that machine-struck silver denominations were introduced progressively during Charles II's reign, with the smaller denominations following the first machine-struck crowns, halfcrowns and shillings.

The undated milled threepence is especially interesting as it was associated with the early Maundy tradition. From 1670, the four Maundy denominations became dated, while the regular dated threepence was produced through to 1684.

Historical Background

Charles II returned to the throne in 1660, marking the Restoration of the British monarchy following the Commonwealth period.

His reign was an important period in the history of British coinage. The Royal Mint introduced new machinery and production techniques, resulting in coins that were more uniform in appearance and considerably more difficult to clip than earlier hammered pieces. Milled edges and more consistent striking also represented important developments in coin security and manufacturing.

The threepence was one of the smaller silver denominations produced during this period. Its connection with Maundy money also gives the denomination an important place in the history of the Royal Maundy ceremony.

Collecting Charles II Silver Threepences

Charles II threepences are popular with collectors of Restoration coinage, early milled British coins and historic silver currency.

Collectors can explore several different varieties, including the early hammered threepences, the undated milled issue and the later dated coins from 1670 to 1684. Differences in portrait, lettering, dates and other design features make the series particularly interesting to specialists.

An early Charles II threepence provides an affordable way to own a genuine piece of 17th-century British silver coinageand represents an important period of change in the history of the Royal Mint.

Coin Disclaimer

The image you see is from our coin picture library, but you will receive a similar example as shown.

Genuine historic coins can vary in shape, size, centring, strike, surface appearance and degree of wear. Each coin is an individual piece of history and may display the characteristics expected from coins that are several centuries old.