VAT-free old silver Sixpences in bulk quantities, made from 50% silver, dated 1920 to 1946.
The History Of Sixpence Coins
Sixpences are an old British coin, used on our island since the sixteenth century. These coins used to be worth six pennies or 1/40th of a Pound in 'Old Money'. That's back when we used Shillings and Crowns rather than 50ps and £2s.
'Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue, and a silver sixpence in her shoe'
In Britain, Sixpences are thought to be lucky. Traditionally a bride would place one of these coins in her shoe to guarantee a happy marriage. Brits also add Sixpences to their Christmas puddings. The lucky person who finds the coin in their slice was said to be in for a prosperous year ahead.
What Are Old Sixpences Made Of?
In the past, the coins used in Britain were made of real gold and silver. For centuries, coins like Crowns, Halfcrowns, Florins, Sixpences and Threepences were made of .925 sterling silver. This precious metal alloy is composed of 92.5% pure silver with a small percentage of other metals including copper added to produce a hardwearing material, ideal for making coins but more commonly used for jewellery these days.
In 1920 the purity of UK silver coins was reduced from 92.5% to 50%. 50% silver coins, including Sixpences, were struck every year between 1920 and 1946. Thereafter, silver was removed from British currency altogether and replaced with the silver-coloured cupronickel, similar to the metal used to make today's money.
1920-1946 Sixpence Specifications
- Weight: 2.83 grams
- Diameter: 19.41 millimetres
- Composition: 50% silver, 50% other metals
Historic Sixpence Coin Designs
The design of the Sixpence coin changed between 1920-1946 so you'll find that the coins in your pack vary in appearance.
The 'heads' side of these coins feature two different royal portraits. King George V ruled from 1910 to 1936. His trademark moustache makes George V Sixpences easy to identify. George V was succeeded by his eldest son, Edward VIII. Since Edward abdicated less than a year after his father's death, no money was released into circulation with his portrait. From 1937 onwards, we see Edward's younger brother, King George VI on Sixpences. The younger George - father of Queen Elizabeth II - has no moustache and features on 50% silver Sixpences through until 1947 when silver was eliminated from UK money.
The 'tails' side of 1920-1937 silver Sixpences features three different designs. 1920-1926 coins show a lion above a royal crown. Sixpences issued between 1927 and 1936 show acorns and oak leaves interlinked in a pretty, nature-inspired design. From 1937 until 1946, Sixpences shows George VI's royal cypher with a crown above and the date on either side.
Lucky Silver Sixpences In Bulk
There are lots of different uses for silver Sixpences. These old coins have the trademark sparkle of silver and a natural variation in colour that makes them look beautiful alone or together.
- Wedding favours and decorations
- Coin floors and tiling projects
- Jewellery design including pendants and rings
Contrary to popular belief, it's not illegal to drill holes in old British coins or use them in art projects. Modern coins should not be defaced but these Sixpences are no longer legal tender and cannot be exchanged at banks. There's no harm in putting these bulk silver coins to use in a creative way.
Mixed Date 50% Silver Sixpence Coins
Our bulk .500 silver Sixpence kilo bags contain a mixture of genuine British coins dated 1920 to 1946. You will find UK coins issued during the reigns of King George V and King George VI in varying numbers.
If you're looking for a specific date or a rare coin from this period we recommend using the search bar on our website. We offer a range of high-quality Sixpences and other historic UK coins. You are unlikely to find low-mintage years like 1923, 1934 or 1938 in these packs which are pre-sorted by our coin specialists.
These coins are offered in good circulated condition, meaning they were once used and spent some time rattling around in pockets and cash registers. Examples that are very worn down or defaced have been removed. You will find that some of these Sixpences are bright and shiny while others have a darker tone. All are real, 50% silver which naturally tarnishes over time.
Investing In Pre-Decimal Silver Coins
Coins struck between 1920 and 1946 are not UK legal tender any more but remain valuable because of their high silver content.
Silver is a great long-term investment with a lower entry point than gold. Market fluctuations can be dramatic but silver is an excellent addition to a diverse precious metals portfolio.
These pre-1947 kilogram Sixpence packs are our best-value option for buying silver. We're able to offer such a good price because these second-hand, non-legal tender coins are subject to the VAT Margin Scheme meaning the only Value Added Tax you pay is already included in the small margin we charge.
Sell Your Old Silver Sixpences
Got old silver Sixpences you don't want? We'll buy your old coins for market-leading prices. Get cash for your Sixpences from home by visiting our Sell Your Coins page. We'll provide a free, no-obligation quote. If you're happy with our price all you need to do is post your coins to us. We'll pay you within 48 hours of your coins reaching our office in Royal Wootton Bassett, Wiltshire.
Buy and sell coins with confidence when you use The Britannia Coin Company of Royal Wootton Bassett, Wiltshire.
Buy Collectable Coins Online
We offer a wide range of collectable and investment coins in pre-owned and brand-new condition. As our name suggests, we focus on British coins (from hammered metal-detecting finds to modern Royal Mint issues) with a healthy selection of pieces from international mints too. All the coins we sell are 100% guaranteed authentic and, where relevant, are individually certified.
The Britannia Coin Company is part of the Gold-Traders group, founded in 2008. We're members of the British Numismatic Trade Association (BNTA) and pride ourselves on our honesty, integrity and expertise.
You're guaranteed a fully protected service when you buy online with The Britannia Coin Company. Our payment process is fully encrypted, preventing unauthorised access to your personal and financial details. Check your browser bar for the trusted padlock symbol: it's a mark of security.
Free And Insured UK Shipping
The price of all our coins includes free, fully insured UK shipping.
We post most orders within one to three working days of receipt. Please check individual product pages for accurate delivery estimates.
We deliver internationally. All payments are to be made in Pounds Sterling. We have a flat rate international shipping charge of just £15. See our dedicated delivery page for exceptions and further information.
Sell Your Coins With Confidence
Our experts want to make selling your coins a stress-free experience. They're ready to provide transparent valuations for your old coins: whether that's an individual piece or a large collection.
The team buys thousands of coins every month via our postal valuation service. It's a safe and easy way to sell coins from home with payment via bank transfer available the same day you confirm our price.
If you'd prefer to visit us in person, we've got secure, private meeting rooms in our offices at 29 High Street, Royal Wootton Bassett, SN4 7AE. We recommend calling ahead to book an appointment or check out one of our specialist drop-in valuation days.
Visit Our Wiltshire Showroom
If you're looking for a bargain then why not visit our showroom? We've got lots of great discount coins available in our cabinets at Old Bank Antiques.
From circulating £2s and 50ps to world coins, commemorative sets and new releases to ancients, we've got something for everyone. Make sure you save time to browse the glass, ceramics, jewellery, clocks and militaria on display in the rest of the shop, located at 143 High Street, Royal Wootton Bassett, SN4 7AB.
You won't find our full range on display in our showroom but if there is something particular you would like to examine then please do get in touch. We're pleased to arrange a private viewing appointment at a time that suits you.
Contact Our Coin Experts Now
Got questions about buying or selling coins? Our friendly team of numismatists (coin experts) are ready to assist with valuations, offers, postage enquiries, and more.
Call our enquiries line on 01793 205 007 (open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm).
Drop us a line at coins@britanniacoincompany.com.
Message us using our live chat feature (that's the green button, found at the bottom right of this page).
Visit us at 29 High Street, Royal Wootton Bassett, Wiltshire, SN4 7AB (we recommend checking our location map before you set out).