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.
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?
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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Don’t ever try to spend the decimal sixpence.Being in sterling silver it has a value of several pounds. KEEP it as a .memento for special occasions.
A sixpence was placed in a champagne cork at our wedding reception in 1960 still have it to this day
Thanks for your comment Frank! What a great way to remember your wedding day
It WAS NOT the sixpence it was the silver Threepence AND the sixpence ceased to be legal in 1971 ,I thought someone working for your company would know that !!!!
Hi Steve, thanks for your comment! You are right the silver threepence was also used. It is believed a pea or bean was originally used, followed by a silver farthing or a penny, changing over time to a threepence, and then a sixpence. To answer the second part of your comment, sixpences did in fact continue to be legal tender, with a value of 2 1/2 new pence, until 30 June 1980.
Beautiful history & have always used in my Christmas puddings.
A silver sixpence coin was NOT put in the Christmas puddings.Silver Threepence coins were used in Christmas puddings In my childhood my Mum and Gran would make our Christmas Pudding at home.I do not know about wedding shoes and sixpence coins
Hi Chris, thanks for your comment! You are right the silver threepence was also used. It is believed a pea or bean was originally used, followed by a silver farthing or a penny, changing over time to a threepence, and then a sixpence.
Hi Chris, that was what your family did based on mostly their traditions, what decided what to use was 1 it should be real silver and then the silver coin you could afford, so a threepence was still perfect – remember six pence back then bought more food than 50p does now; the prime was it was silver and lucky. Traditions often adjust to family circumstaces.
Have you heard of the tradition regarding a new baby?
It is regarded Lucky to cross the baby’s palm with Silver? That is to give the baby some money but not coppers 😁
Hi Jackie, I have heard of this tradition yes! It wasn’t included in this blog as I wanted to focus on the sixpence, however it is a great idea to explore in a future blog so look out for that! Thank you for commenting and sharing your thoughts with us.
They are still being produced by the Royal Mint annually as a limited edition silver sixpence.
Whilst these are still ‘legal tender’ as are all authorised coins from the Royal Mint, they shouldn’t be used for purchases commercially, similarly to other commemorative & bullion issued collector coins. The £5 coin being one of those no longer issued for general ‘circulation’.
Many coins though are issued as base metal circulating commemorative coins. These are mainly restricted to the 50 pence and 2 pound coins, but have also appeared on 10 pence and 1 pound coins in recent years.
This was really interesting and brought back memories. These memories we can now share with our grandchildren and the stories are revitalized for future generations.