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The Australian Sixpence (or six pence) is a small silver coin which was used in the Commonwealth of Australia prior to decimalisation. It has the same dimensions and composition as the British pre-decimal sixpence, from which it is derived (for a time, the coins circulated in parallel and were interchangeable in Australia - but not in the United Kingdom). 6 pence were equal to half a shilling, or 1/40th of a pound.
The sixpence is the only pre-decimal Australian coin which never had the design on its reverse altered. That is especially surprising given that the Coat of Arms (1908) depicted was obsolete for almost all of that time, having been superseded in 1912.
After decimalisation on 14 February 1966, the sixpence was re-denominated as 5 cents and continued to circulate for a time, along with the new 5¢ coins which were the same size and weight (but made of copper-nickel). Coins issued in 1910 were in practice withdrawn in 1966 after 56 years in circulation, but have never been formally demonetised and are still legal tender.
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| Obverse | |
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Crowned and robed bust of King Edward VII facing right; the King is wearing the Imperial Crown, the ermine Robe of State and the Collar of the Most Honourable Order of the Bath.
Below the bust truncation, in small letters are the artist's initials DES (for [George William] de Saulles).
Around, the monarch's legend: EDWARDVS VII D: G: BRITT: OMN: REX F: D: IND: IMP: ·. Translated from Latin: Edward the Seventh, by the Grace of God, King of all the Britains, Defender of the Faith, Emperor of India.
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| Reverse | |
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The reverse features the Ensigns Armorial of the Commonwealth of Australia, as authorised by Royal Warrant 7th May 1908.
At centre, simple shield enclosing a cross of Saint George on which are five six-pointed stars, around the outside of which are six small escutcheons (small shields). The shield is supported by a kangaroo and an emu standing on a grassy mound. Above the shield a crest, the seven-pointed star of Federation on a wreath and on a ribbon at the base the motto ADVANCE AUSTRALIA is inscribed.
Around above, the denomination SIXPENCE; below, between arrow heads, the date 1910. |
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| Reverse Inscription |
SIXPENCE 1910 ADVANCE AUSTRALIA |
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| Edge | Milled | Edge Inscription | None |
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| Notes | This was the first year that silver coins were issued for the Commonwealth of Australia. |
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