Sixpences

Sixpences: Introduction

The Sixpence (half a shilling) was a British silver coin that was first minted 1551 and virtually continuously until decimalisation in 1971. They were often known as 'tanners'. They are small coins, the last minted had a diameter of about 19.4 mm.

It was a popular coin when in circulation and is now popular with collectors as it has a long history and many nice specimens can be obtained at affordable prices.

The following have minted Sixpences during their reign:

 ObverseEdward VI
(1547-1553)
 ObverseMary I - Philip and Mary
(Mary 1553-54 - Philip and Mary 1554-58)
 ObverseElizabeth I
(1558-1603)
 ObverseJames I
(1603-1625)
 ObverseCharles I
(1625-1649)
 ObverseOliver Cromwell / Commonwealth
(1649-1660)
 ObverseCharles II
(1660-1685)
 ObverseJames II
(1685-1688)
 ObverseWilliam and Mary
(1689-1694)
 ObverseWilliam III
(1694-1702)
 ObverseAnne
(1702-1714)
 ObverseGeorge I
(1714-1727)
 ObverseGeorge II
(1727-1760)
 ObverseGeorge III
(1760-1820)
 ObverseGeorge IV
(1820-1830)
 ObverseWilliam IV
(1830-1837)
 ObverseVictoria
(1837-1901)
 ObverseEdward VII
(1901-1910)
 ObverseGeorge V
(1910-1936)
 ObverseElizabeth II
(1952-2022)
 ObverseCharles III
(2022-Present)