What is threepences?

Threepences were coins used in Britain and its colonies until the 20th century. They were worth one eighth of a shilling and were first introduced in the 16th century during the reign of Elizabeth I. Threepences were often used in games of chance, such as the popular game of "pitch and toss," and were also used as markers in sports such as cricket. The design of threepences changed over time, with the most famous design being the "Maundy Money" threepence, which was traditionally given to people by the monarch on Maundy Thursday. Threepences were eventually phased out in the UK in 1971 when decimalization was introduced.