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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. Its design featured the crowned cypher (monogram) of the monarch, which referred to his title of Emperor of India, and his legend with the same style. This second issue replaced it in 1949 when the title was dropped due to the Independence of India; it was issued until the King's death and was replaced by a new type at the start of the reign of Queen Elizabeth II.
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. Thus, a sixpence coin issued in 1950 was legal tender for 30 years.
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| Obverse | |
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Within a beaded border, the obverse of the coin shows the bare (uncrowned) head of King George VI facing left.
Below the neck truncation in small letters, the artist's initials HP (for [Thomas] Humphrey Paget).
Around, part of the the monarch's legend: GEORGIVS VI D : G : BR : OMN : REX, which is an abbreviation from GEORGIVS VI DEI GRATIA BRITANNIARUM OMNIUM REX; translated from Latin, it means "George the Sixth, by the Grace of God, King of all the Britains". The rest of the legend is on the reverse. |
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| Reverse | |
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Within a beaded border, the reverse of the coin shows the crowned royal cypher GR VI, for GEORGIVS SEXTUS - "George the Sixth" - dividing the date: 1950.
Around above, interrupted by the crown, the continuation of the monarch's legend: · FID DEF · - abbreviated from FIDEI DEFENSOR: "Defender of the Faith".
Around below, the denomination as one word: SIXPENCE. |
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| Reverse Inscription |
GR VI · FID DEF · 1950 SIXPENCE |
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| Edge | Milled | Edge Inscription | None |
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| Included in Set |
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The 75th Birthday of HRH The Princess Royal Premium Coin Set, mintage unknown, limited to 25
10 coins: £5 The Princess Royal 2025, Halfcrown 1950, Two Shillings (Florin) 1950, Shilling (English) 1950, Shilling (Scottish) 1950, Sixpence 1950, Threepence (brass) 1950, Penny 1950, Halfpenny 1950, Farthing 1950
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Search for United Kingdom: Sixpence 1950 on eBay 