Home | Sixpences
How to collect Sixpences
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.
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.
Which Sixpences to look for?
The lowest mintage Sixpences are:(These are coins in our database, list may not be exhustive)
- 1872 Sixpence - Victoria (mintage: 3,382,048)
- 1909 Sixpence - Edward VII (mintage: 6,584,000)
- 1908 Sixpence - Edward VII (mintage: 6,738,400)
- 1899 Sixpence (mintage: 7,996,804)
- 1817 Sixpence - George III (mintage: 10,900,000)
- 1926 Sixpence (mintage: 21,809,621)
- 1928 Sixpence (mintage: 23,123,384)
- 1953 Sixpence - Elizabeth II (mintage: 70,363,876)
- 1965 Sixpence - Elizabeth II (mintage: 129,644,000)
- 1962 Sixpence - Elizabeth II (mintage: 166,483,637)
These Sixpences are very rare
- 1707 Sixpence Post-Union Proof Edinburgh Mint - Anne (mintage: Rare)
Which Monarchs have minted Sixpences coins?
The following have minted Sixpences during their reign:
![]() | Edward VI (1547-1553) | |
![]() | Mary I - Philip and Mary (Mary 1553-54 - Philip and Mary 1554-58) | |
![]() | Elizabeth I (1558-1603) | |
![]() | James I (1603-1625) | |
![]() | Charles I (1625-1649) | |
![]() | Oliver Cromwell / Commonwealth (1649-1660) | |
![]() | Charles II (1660-1685) | |
![]() | James II (1685-1688) | |
![]() | William and Mary (1689-1694) | |
![]() | William III (1694-1702) | |
![]() | Anne (1702-1714) | |
![]() | George I (1714-1727) | |
![]() | George II (1727-1760) | |
![]() | George III (1760-1820) | |
![]() | George IV (1820-1830) | |
![]() | William IV (1830-1837) | |
![]() | Victoria (1837-1901) | |
![]() | Edward VII (1901-1910) | |
![]() | George V (1910-1936) | |
![]() | Elizabeth II (1952-2022) | |
![]() | Charles III (2022-Present) |




















