Sixpence, King George IV Third Issue, Coin Type from United Kingdom - detailed information

Sixpence, King George IV Third Issue, Coin Type from United Kingdom (issued 1826 - 1829)
Coin TypeSixpence, King George IV Third Issue

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 third type of sixpence coins struck during the reign of King George IV) was issued from 1826 to 1829 only. Its design is the same as the shilling coin issued between 1825 and 1829; they only differ by their size and weight (the sixpence is exactly half the weight of the shilling). The new reverse by William Wyon depicts the Lion of England standing on the crown of St Edward. The coins feature a new obverse too, also by William Wyon, showing an older portrait of the king.

The composition is Sterling Silver (0.925 silver) and the coins have 0.0841 oz ASW (ounce of Absolute Silver Weight). 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
United Kingdom / Sixpence, King George IV Third Issue - obverse photo

Within a beaded border, the obverse of the coin depicts the bare head of King George IV facing left (effigy by William Wyon).

Around above, part of the monarch's legend GEORGIUS IV DEI GRATIA - translated from Latin, George the Fourth, by the Grace of God. The rest of the legend is on the reverse.

Below the effigy, the date: · [year] ·.

Obverse Inscription GEORGIUS IV DEI GRATIA · [year] ·
Reverse
United Kingdom / Sixpence, King George IV Third Issue - reverse photo

Within a beaded border, the reverse of the coin shows at its centre the Royal crest, depicting the Lion of England standing on St Edward's Crown.

The crown is named after Saint Edward the Confessor, one of the last Anglo-Saxon kings of England. It has been traditionally used to crown English and British monarchs at their coronations since the 13th century, with a two-century gap between 1689 and 1911 so King George IV was not himself crowned with it.

Below the crown, a rose, thistle and shamrock - the floral emblems of England, Scotland and Ireland respectively.

Around, the continuation of the monarch's legend: BRITANNIARUM REX FIDEI DEFENSOR - King of the Britains, Defender of the Faith.

Reverse Inscription BRITANNIARUM REX FIDEI DEFENSOR
EdgeMilledEdge InscriptionNone
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Sixpence, King George IV Third Issue: Details
CountryUnited Kingdom
CurrencyPound Sterling (pre-decimal)
Sub-type ofSixpence
From1826
To1829
Face Value6 (x Penny)
CurrentNo (demonetised 1980)
Material0.925 Silver
DesignerWilliam Wyon
TechnologyMilled (machine-made)
ShapeRound
OrientationCoin Alignment (Axis 6)
Size19.0000 mm
Mass2.8276 g
Sixpence, King George IV Third Issue: Photos
ImageDetails
Sixpence, King George IV Third Issue: Photo Coin - Sixpence, George IV, Great Britain, 1829 Coin - Sixpence, George IV, Great Britain, 1829
Copyright: Museums Victoria / CC BY
Author:
Source
Sixpence, King George IV Third Issue: Photo Coin - Sixpence, George IV, Great Britain, 1829 Coin - Sixpence, George IV, Great Britain, 1829
Copyright: Museums Victoria / CC BY
Author:
Source