Lucky Silver Sixpence | Scottish Keepsakes (2024)

FAQs

Are old silver sixpences worth anything? ›

An unworn sixpence dated prior to 1920 contains 0.0841 oz of silver, and this gives a bullion value of about £1.07 or US$1.51. Sixpence from the period 1920 to 1946 contain 0.0454 oz of silver and thus had a bullion value of £0.58 or US$0.81.

Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue, and a silver sixpence in her shoe......... For all one's hopes and dreams. A lucky coin tucked in her shoe.

This was symbolically represented by a sixpence coin. It later became a tradition to include a sixpence in the dowry that was given by the bride's family to the groom. That tradition of the sixpence as a symbol of good luck continues today.

Interestingly, the Elizabeth I Sixpence is one of the earliest British coins to bear a date of issue. Also houses an original 1966 Elizabeth II Sixpence coin – the perfect pairing to honour the Elizabethan line. 1966 was the last full year the Sixpence was used in circulation, so it is consistently sought-after.

In fact, the rarest sixpence coins are believed to be those struck in 1952, as only a small batch was issued prior to the death of King George VI and were sent to Jamaica. Apart from this series of sixpence, no other coins were issued other than this shipment, making them the rarest sixpences in their history.

LoopyLou is right. Tradition states that the father of the bride places the sixpence in the left shoe. The coin was meant to bless the couple and symbolize a marriage filled with health, wealth and happiness.

The sixpence stood for good luck, and to show that the father wished his daughter prosperity in her marriage. Sometimes silver coins (Silver Sixpences) are placed into the champagne cork and given to the bride and groom as a momento of their wedding day.

A silver sixpence represents luck and prosperity in marriage! A Silver sixpence in her shoe is something traditionally the father will gift to the bride on her wedding day.

Sixpence is a pre-decimalisation UK coin worth six pence or half a shilling, a small amount of money. “ Sixpence none the richer” is an idiom that means to have engaged in an unprofitable endeavour. Literally not even sixpence richer than before.

Some attribute it to John Sigismund Tanner (1705–75), a former Chief Engraver of The Royal Mint who designed a sixpence during the reign of George II (r. 1727–60), whilst another theory is that the name comes from the Anglo-Romani word 'taw no' meaning 'small one'.

What can I do with old sixpences? ›

Sixpence coins of George V issued prior to 1920 are sterling silver, while those minted from 1920-1936 are fifty percent silver. The earlier coins featured a lion standing on the crown, showing Britain's role as a world power. The coins after 1927 have the oak leaf and acorn design, symbols of strength and stability.

The sixpence, established in its own right, has often been given the nickname 'tanner' and later in history became a symbol of good fortune and luck.

“Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue, and a sixpence in your shoe" is the famous rhyme that superstitious brides and grooms follow in the name of luck on their wedding days.

GB Classic Coins are committed to offering the best prices for your old British coins. We consider anything from single coins to whole collections. We're particularly interested in pre-decimal silver coins such as crowns, double florins, half crowns, florins, shilling, sixpences and threepences.

Larger Post Office branches are usually willing to accept demonetised coins in exchange for goods and services.

So a 1964 Sixpence – Queen Eliabeth II is 6 (old) pennies or half a shilling. One fortieth of a pound. In today's money it would be worth 2½ pence.