Sixpence, Queen Elizabeth II, Coin Type from United Kingdom

Sixpence, Queen Elizabeth II, Coin Type from United Kingdom (issued 1953 - 1970)

Coin Type	Sixpence, Queen Elizabeth II

The pre-decimal sixpence (6d) was a unit of currency equalling one fortieth of a pound sterling, or six pence sterling. It was used in the United Kingdom, and earlier in Great Britain and England.

The denomination had undergone several earlier changes in design, and was in silver until the first issue of King George VI was debased to copper-nickel after 1946. After the King's death, the reverse design with his royal cypher was replaced by this new type for Queen Elizabeth II, featuring the plant emblems of the constituent parts of the United Kingdom. This was the last type of sixpence issued for circulation; the denomination was abolished with the introduction of decimal currency.

Sixpences continued to be legal tender for a while after the currency became decimal in 1971, with a value of 2 1⁄2 new pence, until they were demonetised on 30th June 1980.

Obverse

The obverse of the coin shows the laureate young bust of Queen Elizabeth II facing right - her effigy known as the "First Portrait".

The designer's initials, M.G. (for Mary Gillick) appear incuse on the base of the neck truncation.

Around, part of the monarch's legend: + ELIZABETH II DEI GRATIA BRITT: OMN: REGINA (in 1953 only), or + ELIZABETH II DEI GRATIA REGINA after that.

Obverse Inscription	+ ELIZABETH · II · DEI · GRATIA · REGINA

Reverse

The reverse design features four interlinked plants: rose, thistle, shamrock and leek, each with a leaf from the same stem. These represent the four constituent countries of the United Kingdom - England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales respectively.

In small letters below, at the sides of the shamrock, the artists' initials, E · F on the left for Edgar Fuller, and C · T on the right for Cecil Thomas.

Around above, the rest of the monarch's legend: FID · DEF ·, for FIDEI DEFENSOR ("Defender of the Faith").

Around below, the denomination as two words: SIX PENCE, followed by the date of issue · [year].

Reverse Inscription	FID · DEF · SIX PENCE · [year]

Edge	Milled	Edge Inscription	None

Notes	In 2016, the Royal Mint started issuing a non-circulating decimal sixpence for coin collectors.

Advertising

Royal Mint

Coin Type: Sixpence, Queen Elizabeth II - (16) Coins

Coin Name	Reverse	Obverse	In my collection(s)
Please sign up and/or log in to use collection management functionality.

Advertising

Royal Mint

Sixpence, Queen Elizabeth II: Details

Country	United Kingdom
Currency	Pound Sterling (pre-decimal)
Sub-type of	Sixpence
From	1953
To	1970
Face Value	6 (x Penny)
Current	No (demonetised 1980)
Material	CuproNickel
Designer	Edgar Fuller, Cecil Thomas
Technology	Milled (machine-made)
Shape	Round
Orientation	Medal Alignment (Axis 0)
Size	19.5000 mm
Mass	2.8300 g

Advertising

Buy gold and silver bullion online!

Sixpence, Queen Elizabeth II: Photos

Image	Details
	Proof Coin - Sixpence, Elizabeth II, Great Britain, 1953 Copyright: Museums Victoria / CC BY Author: Justine Philip Notes: Queen Elizabeth II common reverse (1953 - 1970). Source
	Proof Coin - Sixpence, Elizabeth II, Great Britain, 1953 Copyright: Museums Victoria / CC BY Author: Justine Philip Notes: Queen Elizabeth II BRITT OMN REGINA (1953). Source
	Coin - Sixpence, Elizabeth II, Great Britain, 1966 Copyright: Museums Victoria / CC BY Author: Justine Philip Notes: Queen Elizabeth II REGINA (1954 - 1970). Source

Sixpence, Queen Elizabeth II, Coin Type from United Kingdom - detailed information