UK Royal Mint issues new Christmas Silver Sixpence coin

The UK Royal Mint has released a new Christmas Silver Sixpence coin.

The UK Royal Mint has put together an ideal holiday gift idea for many coin enthusiasts with the release as each purchase is an authentic 50% silver sixpence struck between the years of 1920 and 1946 when the Royal Mint operated at Tower Hill in London.

Silver Sixpence coins have long been considered a symbol of good luck. Their use in Christmas Puddings and as gifts to brides is a tradition that dates back many generations, with this new Royal Mint release offering contemporary opportunities for well wishers.

Sixpences were first struck in England during the reign of Edward VI in 1551. As their name suggests, they had a value of six pence which equated to 1/40th of a pound sterling. Minting of the coin was from sterling (92.5%) silver beginning in 1816 until 1921 when the composition changed to 50% of the precious metal.

A cupro-nickel blend replaced the silver content altogether in 1947 until the last general issue sixpence appeared in 1967. Their use as good luck charms is prevalent throughout the history of England. Probably most notable among that use is the inclusion of a silver sixpence in the Christmas Pudding.

Tradition tells of each member of the family taking a turn to stir the pudding while making a wish. The cook would then add a sixpence to the mixture to be found later by one lucky member of the family. That person was allowed to keep the strike as a reminder of his foretold luck throughout the following year.

Bride-to-be’s are also though to have improved luck if graced with a sixpence. Even the well-known adage of “Something old, something new / Something borrowed, something blue” is completed with “And a sixpence for her (left) shoe.”

Purchasers of the Christmas Silver Sixpence from the UK Royal Mint will receive one classic 50% Silver Sixpence struck between the years of 1920 and 1946. Obverse designs on these coins will vary based on the date but will be a portrait of either King George V or King George VI.

Reverse designs will also vary ranging from a lion atop a crown to a design with oak leaves and acorns to a crowned monogram. Each silver sixpence will ship in a soft fabric draw-string pouch inside a Christmas-themed card with room left on the card for the inclusion of a personal note. – Bullion Street

Tags: Christmas Silver Sixpence coin, Silver, silver coins, UK Royal Mint

Posted by Silver Guru on Dec 20 2011. Filed under Silver prices. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry