What it would buy in today's money
Because prices have risen so much, a threepenny bit bought far more in the past than its decimal value suggests:
| Year | A threepenny bit in 2025 prices |
|---|---|
| 1850 | £2.36 |
| 1900 | £2.16 |
| 1938 | £1.18 |
| 1950 | £0.60 |
| 1960 | £0.40 |
| 1970 | £0.27 |
About the threepenny bit
Usually called the “thruppenny bit”, the threepence was a small silver coin until the twelve-sided brass version arrived in 1937. Its chunky shape made it easy to recognise by touch.
When it went: Withdrawn in August 1971.
Quick facts
| Value | 3d |
| Decimal equivalent | 1.25p |
| Nickname | thruppenny bit |
| Per pound | 80 |
Today's values use the ONS composite price index (Open Government Licence v3.0).
Common questions
How much was a threepenny bit worth in decimal money?
A threepenny bit was worth 3d, which is 1.25p in decimal money.
How many threepenny bits were in a pound?
There were 80 threepenny bits in a pound.
What would a threepenny bit from 1950 be worth today?
About £0.60 in 2025 prices, based on ONS price data.
Other old coins
Farthing · Halfpenny · Penny · Sixpence · Shilling · Florin · Half crown · Crown · Ten-shilling note · Sovereign · Guinea