The 1953 Threepence obverse features the laureate bust of young Queen Elizabeth II facing right, with the surrounding legend: '+ ELIZABETH II DEI GRATIA REGINA F:D:'. The UK 1953 Threepence reverse shows an encircled portcullis with chains either side. Above is a crown, to either side are the words 'THREE' and 'PENCE', and below is the date.
Like the sixpence, the threepenny piece first appeared as a silver coin. The twelve-sided thicker threepence struck in nickel-brass was introduced threepence to replace the less popular silver threepence.