This die trial striking is of great numismatic importance and rarity. Edward VIII (1894-1972) abdicated the English throne in 1936. This reverse die trial portraying a ship was struck in a bronze composition and weighs 5.66 grams. The obverse is uniface since only the reverse die was used. It is in gem proof condition. This die trial was struck in the Royal Mint by T.H. Paget, who also designed the official portrait for the coins of Edward VIII struck at the Royal Mint in London.

Upon the death of his father, King George V, in January 1936, Edward was proclaimed King Edward VIII, King of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Edward VIII abdicated the throne on December 11, 1936 in order to marry an American, Mrs. Wallis Simpson. His brother, the Duke of York, was next in line and became King George VI. Edward VIII received the title Duke of Windsor and married Mrs. Simpson in June 1937.

An Edward VIII 3 Pence struck with both the obverse and reverse dies is photographed and listed in Krause under patterns with a value of $45,000. Several other denominations of Edward VIII are also photographed and listed including a Shilling at $37,000, a Sovereign at $120,000 and several others listed as rare or have no price listed.

The story of Edward VIII is one of the most fascinating in World Numismatics since coins were struck bearing his portrait but were not released.