Where to Get a Sixpence and What It’s Worth
Understand sixpence coins: how to acquire them and accurately assess their true value.
The sixpence, a British coin, holds a notable place in history and cultural tradition. First minted in 1551 during the reign of Edward VI, this coin was originally valued at six pennies, or one-fortieth of a pound. It remained a staple of British currency for centuries, circulating until 1980, though its last year of production for general circulation was 1967. Beyond its monetary function, the sixpence gained prominence in various customs, such as the tradition of a bride carrying one in her shoe for good luck or its inclusion in Christmas puddings to bring fortune.
Where to Purchase Sixpences
Acquiring a sixpence today involves several market avenues. Online marketplaces provide a broad selection, with platforms like eBay and Etsy hosting numerous individual sellers and smaller dealers. These sites allow for direct comparison of prices and conditions, often featuring a wide range of dates and designs. Buyers can find both common circulated coins and higher-grade examples on these platforms.
Specialized online coin dealer websites offer detailed descriptions and authentication guarantees. Companies like the Royal Mint also produce modern commemorative sixpence issues, which are not intended for circulation but serve to continue the tradition. These dealers typically cater to collectors and may have rare or well-preserved specimens.
Local coin shops are good places to find sixpences. These establishments allow buyers to physically inspect coins before purchase and benefit from the expertise of a professional numismatist. Antique stores can also occasionally carry sixpences, though their selection may be less specialized. For particularly rare or valuable examples, auction houses, both physical and online, serve as venues for competitive bidding.
Understanding Sixpence Variations
The sixpence underwent numerous transformations throughout its history, reflecting the reigning monarch and changes in its metallic composition. Coins feature portraits of various British monarchs, from Edward VI to Elizabeth II, with each sovereign’s effigy and the coin’s reverse design evolving over time. These design shifts provide visual cues to the coin’s era, with different artistic styles and heraldry appearing across centuries.
A key variation lies in the coin’s metal content. Sixpences minted from 1551 until 1920 were composed of 92.5% silver, known as sterling silver. From 1920 to 1946, the silver content was reduced to 50%. Post-1946 and until their discontinuation for circulation, sixpences were struck from cupro-nickel, an alloy of copper and nickel. Understanding these material changes is important for identifying genuine silver sixpences.
Pricing and Value Factors
The valuation of a sixpence is influenced by several factors beyond its historical face value. Rarity is determined by the original mintage numbers for a specific year and the survival rate of those coins over time. For instance, the 1952 sixpence is rare because only a small batch was issued before King George VI’s death.
The coin’s physical condition also determines value. Coins are assessed based on wear, scratches, and original luster, often categorized from “circulated” (worn from use) to “uncirculated” (pristine, never used in commerce). A sixpence in higher grades will command a higher price than a worn counterpart.
Additionally, the intrinsic metal value, particularly for pre-1947 silver sixpences, adds to their worth, as their silver content can exceed their nominal value. While common cupro-nickel sixpences from later years might sell for a few dollars, rare dates or high-grade silver examples can fetch higher prices, ranging from tens to hundreds of dollars or more depending on specific market demand.