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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 1952 was legal tender for 28 years.
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Obverse | |
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 | |
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: 1952.
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 · 1952 SIXPENCE |
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Edge | Milled | Edge Inscription | None |
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Included in Set |
The Platinum Jubilee of Her Majesty The Queen 1952 and 2022 Coinage Collection, mintage 498, limited to 500 13 coins: £5 Platinum Jubilee - Equestrian Effigy, £2 Britannia, £1 Nations of the Crown, 50p, 20p, 10p, 5p, 2p, 1p, Sixpence 1952, Threepence 1952 (brass), Halfpenny 1952, Farthing 1952
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