South Africa 1956 3 pence

from the Mountain Groan Collection

South Africa, after a turbulent history between English and Dutch settlers and the native population, was constituted the Union of South Africa in 1910. Coinage commenced in 1923. The three pence pieces were originally 0.800 fine silver (KM 15, issued 1925-36 and KM 26, issued 1937-50), then 0.500 fine silver (KM 35.2, issued 1951-52 and KM 47, issued 1953-60). Additional 2½ cent pieces were struck 1961-64 after the white-dominated Republic of South Africa withdrew from the Commonwealth. With the collapse of apartheid, collecting South African coins is now respectable again.

Recorded mintage: 6,189,000 plus 1,700 proofs.

Specification: 1.41 g, 0.500 fine silver, 16 mm diameter, plain edge, designed by Mary Gillick and G. E. Kruger-Gray.

Catalog reference: KM 47.

Source:

• Michael, Thomas, and Tracy L. Schmidt, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1901-2000, 47th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2019.
• Hern, Brian, John Bothma and Hercie Pieterse, Hern's Handbook on South African Coins & Patterns, Ferndale, South Africa, 2013.

Link to:

• Southern Rhodesia 1951 3 pence
• 1950 3 pence
• 1952 shilling
• 1955 sixpence
• 1956 farthing
• 1956 ½ penny
• 1956 penny
• 1956 ½ pound
• 1956 pound
• 1957 5 shillings
• 1960 shilling
• Australia 1963 3 pence
• Coins and currency dated 1956