The toning pattern is classic PL maundy issue toning. But, from those images I really can't differentiate PL, MS, and Matte Proof (and I'm not sure I even could in hand). It's a VERY attractive coin, whatever the strike, and in high grade all of those types go for about the same money (despite the varying mintages).
I'm thinking that the threepence was the only denomination of Maundy coins where the design was identical with business strikes, and that the 1904 threepence was the only date struck as both types, per Krause. I'm not sure why the reverse of the OP's coin does not match the obverse in general appearance.
Could have been the way the coin was stored over the years. The toning makes sense if it was in an album with only the obverse exposed.
It also makes sense if it was stored in the original package for the Maundy coin set. By the way, your title says 1903, but the coin is 1902 (clearly, just wanted to clarify). As I said, it's a VERY attractive coin. I'd be very proud to own that one. Lovely toning is fairly common on Maundy pieces. Below is an example from my collection.
mintage which includes both matt and circulation coins 1902 8,268,480---this one could well be Maundy,but then I might be wrong
Possible origins of the word "Maundy" -- The Old English, 'maund' may also be the origin of Maundy Thursday. As a verb, 'maund' to beg; as a noun, 'a maund', a small basket held out for alms.
Stupid dyslexia; yes it should read 1902. I picked up a 2, 3 and 4 pence for $36 off eBay. They're all nicely toned. I'll have to post some better pics when I get a chance. Was considering submitted them to PCGS but I'd probably end up just breaking even.
there is a difference between the groat and fourpence.in modern times !!! the groat was struck between 1836 and 1855.maundy fourpence have a different design--these are very nice coins,well done
Hmm I thought that was a generic term for the four pence. Thanks for the information. I'm still on the fence with submitting them to PCGS; not sure the resale value would be worth the cost of the coins and the slabbing. What are your thoughts? Think they'd grade high enough to make it worth it?
Especially since you have an incomplete set, I don't see how you could POSSIBLY get a positive return... I'm not sure you're going to make money even without slabbing. You paid $36 in a public auction (or perhaps BIN), and no one else thought they were worth more, and yet you want to raise your stake into the $150 range?
Don't see how it goes into the $150 range when I'm talking about submitting them with another order, but your point about an incomplete set is well taken.
Well, I was calculating $36 original cost + $xxx for 3 submissions = $150 range, give or take, after you allow for postage and eBay fees (?) on the other end. Plus the unknown risk factor in the grades.
You can still call it a Groat. Maundy groats have a crowned 4 on the reverse, while the Britannia groats have a seated figure of Britannia and the words FOUR PENCE. All are known as Groats.