22 Jan History of the English Sixpence
The English sixpence was introduced in 1551 during the reign of Edward VI. It became a familiar part of British coinage for more than four centuries and is still associated with luck, weddings and Christmas traditions.
This page explains the coin’s history. For help choosing a dated pair as a gift, see our English sixpence cufflinks birth-year gift guide.
What was an English sixpence worth?
Before decimalisation, twelve old pennies made one shilling and twenty shillings made one pound. A sixpence was worth six old pennies, or half a shilling. That made it one fortieth of a pound.
When was the sixpence introduced and withdrawn?
The first English sixpence was struck in 1551. The last regular circulating sixpences were dated 1967. Britain changed to decimal currency in 1971, but the sixpence remained in use at the equivalent of 2½ new pence until it was demonetised in 1980.
Why was a sixpence called a tanner?
The coin was widely nicknamed a “tanner”. The origin of that name is uncertain, and more than one explanation has been proposed. What is certain is that the nickname became part of everyday British language during the coin’s long life in circulation.
How did sixpence designs change?
The monarch’s portrait appears on the obverse, while the reverse design changed between reigns. The Elizabeth II sixpences dated from 1954 to 1967 feature crowned floral emblems representing the four nations of the United Kingdom: a rose, thistle, shamrock and leek. Earlier sixpences carry different royal portraits and reverse designs, so the selected year determines the design.
Why is the sixpence linked with weddings?
A sixpence is traditionally placed in a bride’s shoe as a symbol of luck and future prosperity. The custom is remembered in the extended wedding rhyme ending with “a silver sixpence in her shoe”. Dated sixpences are also passed through families or chosen to mark a wedding year.
Why was a sixpence put in Christmas pudding?
Another British tradition placed a sixpence in the Christmas pudding mixture. The person who found the coin in their serving was said to receive good fortune for the coming year.
Why choose a birth-year sixpence?
The visible date gives an original coin a direct connection to a birthday, anniversary or other significant year. Birthday Cufflinks uses genuine dated coins and makes each pair individually before supplying it in a presentation box.
Explore the English sixpence cufflinks gift guide, use the 2026 milestone birthday guide to find the correct year, or browse all birth-year coin cufflinks.