The 1940 Threepence obverse features the bare head of King George VI facing left, with the legend: 'GEORGIVS VI D:G:BR:OMN:REX F:D:IND:IMP. The UK 1940 Threepence reverse shows a blossoming thrift plant, with three blooms. Around the thrift plant are the words 'THREE PENCE', and below is the date.
Like the sixpence, the threepenny piece first appeared as a silver coin. The new twelve-sided thicker threepence struck in nickel-brass was introduced threepence to replace the less popular silver threepence.