Threepenny Joeys

[Red Riley]

I have seen various publications over the years refer to fourpenny pieces or groats as 'joeys'. My recollection however is that, certainly in the sixties, the old silver threepenny pieces (by then only just out of circulation) were always themselves known by this name, certainly within my family. No publication I have ever read however, refers to them in this way.

Does anyone else of sufficient antiquity remember this, or were my relatives short changing themselves?

Incidentally, if anyone is really old, when was the last time you saw one in circulation?

[Gary D]

I have seen various publications over the years refer to fourpenny pieces or groats as 'joeys'. My recollection however is that, certainly in the sixties, the old silver threepenny pieces (by then only just out of circulation) were always themselves known by this name, certainly within my family. No publication I have ever read however, refers to them in this way.

Does anyone else of sufficient antiquity remember this, or were my relatives short changing themselves?

Incidentally, if anyone is really old, when was the last time you saw one in circulation?

I understood it to be the 3d as well although it's not a term I ever remember using.

[Chingford]

I have seen various publications over the years refer to fourpenny pieces or groats as 'joeys'. My recollection however is that, certainly in the sixties, the old silver threepenny pieces (by then only just out of circulation) were always themselves known by this name, certainly within my family. No publication I have ever read however, refers to them in this way.

Does anyone else of sufficient antiquity remember this, or were my relatives short changing themselves?

Incidentally, if anyone is really old, when was the last time you saw one in circulation?

I understood it to be the 3d as well although it's not a term I ever remember using.

Borrowed from Tony Claytons site

"The phrase 'fourpenny bit' was usual, but the coin was also known as a Joey after the MP Joseph Hume, who campaigned for its introduction. I believe his reasoning was that the hansom cab fare was fourpence, and the coin therefore did not require the change that a sixpence did. This was not popular with the cab drivers as often they had been given the twopence change from a sixpence as a tip! "

John

[Chingford]

Below I have posted a link to a site that gives slang terms for Money, Silver threepences and sixpences have been termed Joeys, and dictionary references are quoted, but the writer feels most references are regional.

Makes interesting reading though.

http://www.businessballs.com/moneyslanghistory.htm#slang money meanings and origins

John

[Geordie582]

I did use a groat when I was young, in the 30's, but only rememberthem as 'fourpnies' Only to go to the pork butchers for 4 penny dips ( bread buns dipped in the pork fat of the roasting tins, with crackling added - AAH! the memory of pre healthy eating! )

The silver threepenny piece was a 'diddler' in the north, but can't recall a name for the fourpence.

[E Dawson]

Very good stories. I have heard such smaller bits termed "tiddlers", but not for some time...