The Sixpence: 5 Burning Questions Answered

Why is the Sixpence placed in Wedding Shoes and Christmas Puddings? Today we will explore some of the top questions surrounding the Sixpence coin, uncover the stories and traditions behind this tiny yet iconic coin.

1. What is a Sixpence Coin?

The Sixpence was once widely circulated in the United Kingdom and its former colonies. Worth 2.5p, it remained in circulation until 1980. The coin’s design and composition have evolved over the centuries, reflecting the changing faces of monarchs and the artistic trends of each era.

2. Why is the Sixpence Coin Associated with Weddings?

One of the most enduring traditions involving the Sixpence coin is its association with weddings. For many years, the father of the bride would slip a Sixpence into his daughter’s shoe before she walked down the aisle. The Sixpence stood for good luck, and to show that the father wished his daughter prosperity in her marriage.

Sixpence in wedding shoe - The Sixpence: 5 Burning Questions Answered
A Sixpence coin embedded in a wedding shoe

3. What is the Meaning Behind the Rhyme “Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue, and a Silver Sixpence in Her Shoe”?

This famous wedding rhyme includes a set of superstitions and customs believed to bring good luck to the bride on her wedding day. The inclusion of a Sixpence in her shoe represents wealth and financial prosperity in the marriage.

4. What is the Sixpence Christmas Tradition?

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Sixpence coins were placed into Christmas puddings to give luck and prosperity

Beyond weddings and everyday circulation, the Sixpence coin has found its way into another cherished tradition – Christmas puddings. Dating back to Victorian England, it became a popular custom to include a silver coin in the mixture when preparing the Christmas pudding. The thought behind this was not only to add a bit of festive surprise but also to give luck and prosperity to the person fortunate enough to find the coin in their serving of Christmas pudding.

5. Are Sixpence Coins Still in Circulation?

In the United Kingdom, Sixpence coins ceased to be legal tender in 1980. However, these coins are still cherished by collectors and are often found in antique markets and online auctions. The historical value and unique designs of these coins make them sought-after items for all collectors.

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The Christmas Sixpence Frame – which contains an ORIGINAL Sixpence

Add a sixpence to your collection right now by clicking here >>

Just released: Journey through the legacy of James Bond…

The Royal Mint have officially released a brand-new series of coins, taking collectors on a journey through an incredible legacy of cinematic history.

From the 60s, all the way through the noughties to present day, the new seven-coin series features none other than the suave and sophisticated, James Bond.

The 60’s

The first coin starts us off in the swinging 60s, with ‘You Only Live Twice’. The classic gun sight background and iconic 007 logo adorns the reverse, alongside an excellent depiction of autogyro ‘Little Nellie’ and Sean Connery’s adaptation of James Bond in the driver’s seat.

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The Edition Limit

The Silver Proof edition of this coin – by far the most popular with collectors – has an edition limit of just 4,007 (do you see what they did there?). Now, let me put this into perspective…

In 2020, The Royal Mint released three, 1oz Silver Coins for James Bond – the first of its kind – each with an edition limit of 7,007 coins. All three coins completely sold out.

These coins are now highly desired by collectors. In fact, securing them on the secondary market can be a real chore given the scarcity and collectability of any piece of Bond memorabilia.

So, with an edition limit that is almost HALF that of the sell-out coins, these new coins are virtually guaranteed to be snapped up.

How you can secure yours

Should you wish to secure the limited Silver Proof version of this coin, or perhaps the Brilliant Uncirculated coin in official Royal Mint packaging, you can click here >>

What’s more, by securing your coin today you can be added to the Priority List, which will give you priority access to all future coins in ‘Decades of Bond £5 coin series’

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Selling Out BEFORE Christmas: The Father Christmas 50ps in Every Collector’s Stocking

Christmas is just round the corner, and before you know it, you’ll be singing Jingle Bells, drinking mulled wine and digging your way through boxes and boxes of chocolates.

But, what else does that mean most importantly?

A whole selection of Christmas 50ps!

FIVE brand new Father Christmas 50p coins have just been issued by Jersey for Christmas 2023. Take a look at the video below…

Collectors have been rushing to secure their favourite specifications and Christmas coin releases notoriously have sold out way in advance of Christmas in previous years.

So if we’ve put you in the festive mood, click here to view our whole range >>

PLEASE NOTE: The Father Christmas Colour BU 50p Set is already SOLD OUT.


The Father Christmas BU 50p Set

Beautifully made up of each of the brand new Father Christmas 50ps, this set arrives in a bespoke festive presentation pack. It’s one of the only ways to own all five of these coins as a complete set.

Each 50p has been struck to a superior Brilliant Uncirculated Quality. So whether for family, a fellow collector, or as an early Christmas gift to yourself – this is a MUST-HAVE set.

Click here to secure yours >>

The Father Christmas BU 50p Collection All Rev with Obv Copy - Selling Out BEFORE Christmas: The Father Christmas 50ps in Every Collector’s Stocking

The Father Christmas Silver Proof 50p Set

It wouldn’t be Christmas without a Silver Proof 50p set.

Each 50p design has been brought to life through vivid colour printing in this set, standing out with a stunning Proof Finish.

The set arrives in a deluxe Presentation Case, alongside an individually numbered Certificate of Authenticity. With just 500 sets available worldwide, this is a rare gift giving opportunity.

Click here to secure yours >>

The Father Christmas Silver Colour 50p Set All Rev with Obv Copy - Selling Out BEFORE Christmas: The Father Christmas 50ps in Every Collector’s Stocking

The Father Christmas BU 50p Christmas Cards

The perfect Christmas card to give to family and friends.

This Brilliant Uncirculated 50p coin arrives safely encapsulated in a winter scene Christmas card, ready for you to fill with your own personalised message.

Available in non-colour and colour!

Click here to secure your colour BU 50p card >>

Click here to secure your non-colour BU 50p card >>


The Father Christmas Mint Masters Set

What makes this 50p set so special?

Consisting of TEN brand new 50p coins, the Mint Masters set features the Silver Proof Colour and a Mint Masters EXCLUSIVE – the non-colour Silver Proof 50ps paired with them.

Only 100 collectors will be able to say they own both of these stunning Silver sets in a deluxe wooden presentation case, also arriving with a signed Christmas card by the artist responsible for your Father Christmas 50p designs, David Young.

Click here to find out more >>

The Father Christmas Mint Master Silver Set - Selling Out BEFORE Christmas: The Father Christmas 50ps in Every Collector’s Stocking

Remember, you can also view the whole range by clicking here >>