The 1949 Threepence is the first year bearing the Type II obverse featuring a modified legend. It was struck at the Melbourne Mint to a mintage of 26,400,000 which is quite standard for this stage in the series. The type is quite affordable into mint-state, only reaching prices above $100 in MS65 and beyond.
In 1947 Royal assent was given to the 'Indian Independence Act' which dissolved British India and created the two independent dominions of India and Pakistan. This was a major first step to India becoming an independent republic. As a result of this process the British Monarch George VI lost the title 'Emperor of India' which had been held by his line since Queen Victoria acquired the title in 1877. Coins issued by the Royal Mint featured the Latin version of the title 'Indiae Imperator' in an abbreviated form 'IND. IMP' within the obverse legend. These coins were modified with Australian coins from 1949 onward featuring a new legend without 'IND. IMP.'
