With the 50th anniversary of Decimal Day fast approaching, it has brought a lot of the pre-decimal coins back into the spotlight.
When Britain went decimal on 15 February 1971, coins like the florin, shilling and half-crown became obsolete, but one coin endured into the next decade…
The Sixpence.
![“Save our Sixpence” six sixpences - “Save our Sixpence”](https://prappcpmbl-2fd635a78a32336f3684-endpoint.azureedge.net/blobprappcpmbl673533a328/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/six-sixpences.jpg)
Worth 2.5p, it remained in circulation until 1980, following the public “Save our Sixpence” campaign to keep it.
Dick Taverne, who was chief secretary to the Treasury a year before decimalisation said: “There was a passionate public campaign ‘save our sixpence’.
“People were very fond of the coin. They said it was part of our heritage. It was thought a terrible thing to get rid of the sixpence.”
Over forty years on from when they were taken out of circulation, the Sixpence still has a place in the hearts of those in their 50s and beyond, and a puzzlement for those too young to have known them.
If you’re interested…
To mark the day that UK coinage changed forever, a brand new 4 coin Silver Proof Crown and Silver Proof £5 set has been announced, including a 2021 reimagined pre-decimal “crown”.
![“Save our Sixpence” DN X672 50th Anniversary of Decimalisation Silver with gold plate Proof Set main - “Save our Sixpence”](https://prappcpmbl-2fd635a78a32336f3684-endpoint.azureedge.net/blobprappcpmbl673533a328/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/DN-X672-50th-Anniversary-of-Decimalisation-Silver-with-gold-plate-Proof-Set-main.jpg)
Limited to just 995 worldwide, it’s the only way to own all 4 brand new coins. Click here to find out more and secure yours now >>
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