Guide to Collecting Sixpences

Coins in the Sixpences Category

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)

Which Sixpences to look for?

The lowest mintage Sixpences are:
(These are coins in our database, list may not be exhustive)

These Sixpences are rare

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.

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.