Loadingsigma

Great Britain, 1895 Queen Victoria Silver Sixpence, KM#779. Dark toned old envelope toning example. Grade: About Uncirculated Shipping: Standard shipping is Free to United States Residents unless otherwise stated.For International buyers (those outside of the United States), shipping is calculated by and done through eBay's Global Shipping Program. A silver sixpence in the bride's shoe is a traditional wedding gesture for good luck; customarily the father of the bride places the sixpence, as a token of him wishing her prosperity, love and happiness in her marriage.

Queen Victoria 1837-1901

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

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. 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.

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. 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

Silver Sixpence Charm

How Big is a Sixpence?

Sixpence coins measure 3/4 inch in diameter, or 19.3 mm. That is slightly larger than a U.S. dime.

NOTE: Many features on this website require Javascript. You can enable both via your browser's preference settings.

The sixpence, known colloquially as the tanner or half-shilling, was a British pre-decimal coin worth six pence, 1/40th of a pound sterling.

In England, the first sixpences were struck in the reign of Edward VI in 1551 and continued until they were rendered obsolete by decimalisation in 1971. Along with the shilling (12 pennies) and the florin (or two shillings), the last general issue sixpence was issued in 1967 and a special proof version struck for inclusion in the farewell proof set of 1970. However, sixpences, shillings and florins continued to be legal tender at values of 2½, 5 and 10 new pence respectively.

Sixpences were originally supposed to be demonetized upon decimalization in 1971. However, due to public outcry, they remained legal tender until 1980.

The silver content followed the pattern of other silver coins. They were sterling silver until 1920, when they were reduced to 50 percent silver. The last 50-percent-silver sixpence was minted in 1946; they were changed to cupro-nickel from 1947 onwards.

As the supply of silver threepence coins slowly disappeared, sixpences replaced them as the coins that were put into Christmas puddings and children would hope to be the lucky one to find the sixpence, no doubt also encouraging children to eat their pudding.

They have also been seen as a lucky charm for brides. There is an old rhyme which goes 'Something old, something new, Something borrowed, something blue, And a sixpence for her shoe.'

Silver Sixpence 1593

Silver Sixpence For Sale