threepenny bit

British  

/ -ənɪ, ˈθrɛp-, ˈθrʌpnɪ /

noun

1. a twelve-sided British coin of nickel-brass, valued at three old pence, obsolete since 1971

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Example Sentences

The paper's lead story says the £1 coin is to be scrapped in favour of a new design "shaped like an old threepenny bit".

From BBC • Mar. 18, 2014

I especially loved the threepenny bit for its dodecagonal - 12-sided - weirdness, its brass and nickel sallow yellow gleam and the crowned portcullis on its back.

From BBC • Apr. 30, 2010

There is an almost entire absence of coppers up country; the lowest change is a threepenny bit, and you cannot well spend anything under a sixpence.

From A Boy's Voyage Round the World by Smiles, Samuel

He had, carefully stowed away, thirty shillings in gold, and of his regular pocket-money a two-shilling piece, a shilling, a threepenny bit, and some coppers.

From Great Uncle Hoot-Toot by Molesworth, Mrs.

Miss Deyncourt, can I accommodate you with a threepenny bit?

From The Danvers Jewels, and Sir Charles Danvers by Cholmondeley, Mary