1935 SOUTHERN RHODESIA THREEPENCE – GEORGE V

The 1935 Southern Rhodesia Threepence is the inaugural small‑silver issue of the territory under King George V. Struck in .500 silver, it features the three upright spears reverse, a design unique to the denomination and symbolic of traditional African weaponry.

The obverse carries the crowned portrait of King George V with the legend GEORGE V KING EMPEROR. Beneath the spears sits the KG mintmark, used across Southern Rhodesia’s early silver series.

Produced at the South African Mint (Pretoria), the 1935 issue is highly sought after due to its first‑year status, attractive design, and modest mintage. It forms part of the short‑lived pre‑war Rhodesian silver series issued only in 1935 and 1936.

Obverse

Crowned portrait of King George V facing left. Legend: GEORGE V KING EMPEROR

Reverse

Three upright spears bound at the centre. Legend: SOUTHERN RHODESIA – 3d Date: 1935 flanking the spears. Mintmark: KG below.

Historical Notes

• First‑year issue of the Southern Rhodesia small‑silver series.
• Only denomination to feature the three spears reverse.
• Struck at the South African Mint (Pretoria).
• Highly collected due to design, scarcity, and early‑series status.

Specifications

• Country: Southern Rhodesia
• Denomination: Threepence
• Year: 1935
• Monarch: George V
• Mint: South African Mint (Pretoria)
• Mintmark: KG
• Metal: .500 Silver
• Weight: 1.41 g
• Diameter: 16.0 mm
• Edge: Plain
• Obverse: Crowned bust of King George V
• Reverse: Three spears
• Mintage: 200,000
• Catalogue References:
  • KM: 3
  • SCWC: KM‑3

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