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A Sixpence is a denomination of the old predecimal British currency system and dates back to the time of Edward VI. The Sixpenny coin was also used by many other Commonwealth countries.

Originally, the British Sixpence was made from 92.5% silver, but from 1920 onwards, the silver content was reduced to 50% and from 1947 they was made from a copper/nickel alloy.

The Sixpence was 19 mm in diameter and had a milled edge. Since 1816, they have weighed variously between 2.81 and 3.01 grams.

A Sixpenny coin represented Six Pennies (6d), half a Shilling or, 1/40th of a Pound.

The Sixpence was often referred to as a "Tanner" or a "Half-Shilling".

At Britains conversion to decimal currency in February, 1971, the Sixpence had no new decimal equivalent coin, but was equal to 2.5 New Pence in the new currency.

Due to problems with coin operated machines, the Sixpence remained legal tender until the 30th of June, 1980.

The British Sixpence was last minted for general circulation in 1967.

From a coin collectors perspective, a Sixpence, depending on the year, condition and method of minting, could be worth anything from bullion value to several thousand pounds GBP.

Please note that since the Sixpence is part of a redundant or obsolete currency, it no longer has an "exchange rate" with other currencies.

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13y ago

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