Obverse. Photo © Royal Mint
  • 6 Pence 2021-2022, Sp# E1, United Kingdom (Great Britain), Elizabeth II, Christmas
  • 6 Pence 2021-2022, Sp# E1, United Kingdom (Great Britain), Elizabeth II, Christmas
  • 6 Pence 2021-2022, Sp# E1, United Kingdom (Great Britain), Elizabeth II, Christmas, Wooden box and booklet
Description

The Silver Sixpence has long been given as a token of good luck, for a new job, moving home, getting married. It has long been tradition to include one in Christmas puddings or in the shoe of a bride fulfilling the traditional rhyme ‘Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue, and a silver sixpence in her shoe’.

In 2021 for the first time, a gold sixpence was released. There were 2 varieties: the Wedding strike was issued in .916 rose gold, while the Christmas strike was issued in .999 yellow gold. The modern decimalised sixpence has been struck in sterling silver since 2016, intended to be bought as Christmas presents.

Obverse

The fifth crowned portrait of HM Queen Elizabeth II facing right, wearing the George IV State Diadem and drop earrings.

The George IV State Diadem, officially the Diamond Diadem, is a type of crown that was made in 1820 for King George IV. The diadem is worn by queens and queens consort in procession to coronations and State Openings of Parliament. The piece of jewellery has been featured in paintings and on stamps and currency. It can be seen in the Queen's Gallery at Buckingham Palace.

ELIZABETH II DEI GRATIA REGINA FIDEI DEFENSATRIX means Elizabeth II, by the Grace of God, Queen, Defender of the Faith.

Engraver: Jody Clark

ELIZABETH II · DEI · GRA · REG · FID · DEF ·
JC

Reverse

Crowned Royal monogram divides date within a wreath of apple and orange blossom for good fortune below the denomination.

Engraver: John Bergdahl

SIXPENCE
20 21
E II R
JB

Edge

6 Pence

5th portrait, Yellow Gold Proof Coin

Christmas

Sp# E1
Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Non-circulating)
Material Gold
Fineness 0.999
Weight 6.19 g
Diameter 19.41 mm
Thickness -
Shape round
Alignment Medal
Mint
Royal Mint

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