Sixpence 1925 Pattern, Coin from United Kingdom - detailed information

The British sixpence (6d) coin, sometimes known as a tanner or sixpenny bit, was a coin worth one-fortieth of a pound sterling, or six pence. It was first minted in the reign of King Edward VI and circulated until 1980. Following decimalisation in 1970 it had a value of 2½ new pence. The coin was made from silver from its introduction in 1551 to 1947, and thereafter in cupronickel.

In the mid 1920s the Royal Mint began to seek new designs for United Kingdom silver coins. Amongst a number of other artists Eric Gill was approached and in 1924 he produced a series of drawings. Despite never being used, the drawings were well received at the time, indeed so much so that uniface pattern pieces were struck of his shilling, sixpence and threepence designs.