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. You can see Sixpences on eBay UK (affiliate link)
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. You can see Sixpences on eBay UK (affiliate link)
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 rare
- 1707 Sixpence Post-Union Proof Edinburgh Mint - Anne (mintage: Rare)
Coins in the Sixpences Category
 | 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) |
More Information about coins for Collectors
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.
Specifications:
- Year Minted: 1551-1970
- Diameter: 19.41 mm
- Weight: 2.83g (1816-1970)
- Edge: Milled
- Metal:
- 1551–1816: Silver
- 1816–1920: 92.5% Silver
- 1920–1946: 50% Silver
- 1947–1970 Cupronickel. Zero Silver
In today's money they are 2½p. It doesn't sound much but at the time it was a weeks pocket money! 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.