Queen Victoria 1837-1901
An English sixpence coin select the date and amount from the drop down menu dates range from 1947 to 1951 Cupro Nickel Sixpence coins. From shop akpcoins. 5 out of 5 stars (4,220) 4,220 reviews $ 1.43. Favorite Add to. The sixpence coin was first struck in 1551 during the reign of Edward VI, owing to the debasement of Britain's silver coinage during the 1540s, particularly the testoon. The precursor to the shilling had seen its value halved from twelve pence to six. The sixpence quickly established itself as a popular fixture of Britain's coinage.
Sixpence Coin Value
Victoria's reign of 63 years was longer than any other British monarch, until Queen Elizabeth surpassed this mark in 2015. Known as the Victorian era, this was a period of industrial growth and expansion of the British Empire. Sixpence coins until 1887 featured the 'Young Head' of Victoria, those from 1887 on featured her more mature profile. All of the sixpences issued during Victoria's rule are sterling silver.
In 1887 Great Britain celebrated Queen Victoria's Golden Jubilee of her 50 year reign as monarch. A special sixpence coin was issued in 1887 to commemorate the event. Many of these sixpences were hand enameled on one side and used in pendants, pins and as broaches.
King Edward VII 1901-1910
A sixpence was a coin used in the British Empire beginning in 1551. One sixpence represented six pennies. The last year of use of the sixpence coin was 1967. How did the sixpence tradition begin? The Silver Sixpence. Back in 1551, the silver sixpence was first introduced during the reign of King Edward VI. The coin quickly became a symbol of prosperity and good fortune. Even today people choose to give silver sixpences and silver pennies at christenings to wish a young boy or girl well.
Edward became King of Great Britain upon the death of his mother Victoria in 1901. A very popular King, the Edwardian era saw great technological changes, including powered flight. Known for his good manners and diplomatic skills, he forged important diplomatic alliances with other European rulers.
The coins feature Edward's bearded profile on one side and the crown on the reverse. All of the sixpence coins issued under King Edward VII are sterling silver.
King George V 1910-1936
King George V ruled in turbulent times that included not only the First World War but the coming to power of Aldolf Hitler in Germany. He was not considered an intellectual, but he established family values appreciated by the middle class. Sixpence coins of George V issued prior to 1920 are sterling silver, while those minted from 1920-1936 are fifty percent silver. The earlier coins featured a lion standing on the crown, showing Britain's role as a world power. The coins after 1927 have the oak leaf and acorn design, symbols of strength and stability.
King George VI 1936-1952
Described as the reluctant king, George VI assumed the monarchy when his elder brother Edward VIII abdicated the throne to marry the divorcee Wallis Simpson. George, known as Bertie, never thought he would be King. He overcame a serious stutter, which was portrayed in the Oscar-winning movie The King's Speech, to lead Britain through the dark days of World War II. His live radio broadcasts throughout the war gave hope and inspiration to the British people.
Sixpence coins issued under George VI from 1937-1946 are 50% silver. Quantum roulette. Later issues after 1946 have no silver content.
Queen Elizabeth II 1952-Present
Queen Elizabeth II has reigned longer than any other British monarch other than Queen Victoria. She celebrated her Golden Jubilee as Queen in 2002. The divorce of her son Prince Charles from the popular Princess Diana, and Diana's death in a car crash in Paris were personal low points during her life. She was very involved in the marriage of her grandson Prince William to Kate Middleton, who had the customary sixpence coin in her shoe on her wedding day.
The fortune wheel. None of the sixpence coins issued during the reign of Queen Elizabeth have any silver content. The last sixpence coins circulated in 1967, although some were issued in 1970 in special proof set editions for collectors.
1952 Sixpence Coins
The scarce 1952 silver sixpence coins are prized collectors items. King George VI, who was Queen Elizabeth's father died in February of 1952. Queen Elizabeth assumed the throne later that year. 4 card keno game. The only sixpence coins that were issued prior to his death and dated 1952 were a small batch that had previously been sent to the island of Jamaica, which was using Great Britain coinage at that time. There were no other sixpence coins issued other than this shipment. The first sixpence coins for Queen Elizabeth did not appear until 1953. The 1952 sixpences are by far the rarest sixpence coin issued in the past 125 years.
The Silver Content of Sixpence Coins
The sixpence coins minted prior to 1920 are 92.5% silver (Sterling Silver) The sixpence coins minted from 1920-1946 are 50% silver. Sixpence coins minted from 1947 until 1967 do not have any silver content
How Big is a Sixpence?
1788 Sixpence Coin
Sixpence coins measure 3/4 inch in diameter, or 19.3 mm. That is slightly larger than a U.S. dime.
