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: the King George III sixpence (1816 - 1820), King George IV first issue (1821 only), King George IV second issue (1824 - 1826), King George IV third issue (1826 - 1829), the first "wreath" type (1831 - 1887), a brief withdrawn version featuring the Coat of Arms and then a second "wreath" type (1887 - 1910).
This design, featuring the English lion on top of St Edwards Crown, was introduced at the beginning of the reign of King George V in 1911 - bringing it in line with the shilling which carried the "lion on crown" design since 1902, and was issued until 1927.
The composition was Sterling Silver (0.925) with 0.0841 oz ASW (ounce of Absolute Silver Weight) until 1920 when it was debased to 50% (0.0452 oz ASW) together with the rest of the silver coinage. 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. | 
