The coin Fiji argued about for thirteen years: the 1947 dodecagonal threepence — nickel-brass, twelve-sided, with a bure and palm trees by Reginald George James Berry.
History
- The 1934 first coinage omitted the threepence — a matter of considerable controversy in the colony.
- In 1947 the denomination finally arrived: dodecagonal (twelve-sided) nickel-brass, matching the British threepenny in size and shape.
- Reverse: a traditional thatched building (bure) flanked by palm trees, designed by New Zealand artist Reginald George James Berry.
Key dates & varieties
- 1947 first issue; the George VI “King only” coinage of 1948–52 continued the design.
Specifications
- Dodecagonal nickel-brass; the only twelve-sided coin in Fiji’s colonial series.
Collector notes
- The 1947 first-year carries the premium in the series.
- Nickel-brass twelve-sided coins wear softly at the high points — check the bure’s roofline for rub.