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The Sixpence: A Christmas Tradition Reimagined
For centuries, the humble sixpence has held a special place in British holiday traditions. From being hidden in Christmas puddings to symbolising good fortune for the year ahead, this small silver coin has become an enduring part of festive celebrations. The charm of the sixpence extends far beyond its value as a coin – it carries with it the spirit of Christmas, hope, and family customs that are passed down through generations.
The Christmas Pudding Tradition
The tradition of hiding a sixpence in the Christmas pudding dates back to Victorian times. Families would eagerly look forward to this festive ritual, where whoever found the coin in their slice of pudding was believed to have good luck for the coming year. The coin was often associated with wealth, prosperity, and the promise of future happiness. Even today, many households in the UK continue this time-honoured custom, preserving the nostalgic connection to their heritage.
The sixpence also became a popular wedding token, tucked into the shoes of brides as a symbol of good fortune and prosperity in their marriage. Whether in a Christmas pudding or a wedding shoe, the sixpence remains an iconic symbol of luck and tradition.
Two Ways to Own the Iconic Sixpence
Today, coin collectors and tradition lovers alike can own a piece of this history in two unique forms. Whether you’re a collector or someone who cherishes the symbolism behind this beloved coin, there are two delightful ways to bring the sixpence into your home.
The UK 2024 Silver Sixpence
The UK 2024 Silver Sixpence is a modern-day nod to the classic design of the traditional sixpence.
Generations have searched for this coin on Christmas Day, tucked away in their slice of pudding. According to the widely known tradition, whoever finds one will have good luck and wealth in the year to come. The Sixpences ability to grant good luck goes beyond Christmas, which is perfectly reflected in the flowers depicted in the stunning design.
- Irises: for christenings
- Orchids: for Christmas
- Calla lilies: for weddings
All arranged in a modern wreath that surrounds a Tudor crown. The official coinage portrait of His Majesty King Charles III appears on the obverse of the coin, all finished to a pristine Proof standard.
The Christmas Sixpence Frame
For those looking to incorporate the sixpence into their festive décor, the Christmas Sixpence Frame offers a more creative way to display this iconic coin. This frame features an original George VI Sixpence set within a beautifully designed holiday display, capturing the essence of Christmas in a way that can be proudly showcased in your home. The framed sixpence makes for a charming gift, perfect for passing down the tradition to younger generations or adding a touch of nostalgia to your holiday celebrations. It’s not just a coin – it’s a keepsake that can be enjoyed year after year.
Whether you choose the classic UK 2024 Silver Sixpence or the elegant Christmas Sixpence Frame, the tradition of the sixpence lives on in these two stunning forms. This small but mighty coin continues to be a symbol of good fortune, making it the perfect addition to your Christmas celebrations or coin collection.
Honouring Dorothy Wilding: The Visionary Behind Queen Elizabeth II’s Iconic Portraits
Dorothy Wilding, a name synonymous with timeless elegance and photographic mastery, played a significant role in shaping the image of one of the world’s most recognised monarchs: Queen Elizabeth II. Known for her simple yet striking photographic style, Wilding’s portraits of the Queen became the foundation for a new era of royal imagery.
In early 1952, just twenty days after Queen Elizabeth II’s accession to the throne, Wilding was granted the honour of conducting the first official photographic sitting. The Queen’s new role demanded an image that would grace coins, banknotes, and stamps, becoming a lasting symbol of her reign. Wilding, already experienced as a royal photographer, had previously captured official portraits at King George VI’s Coronation in 1937 and had been awarded the first Royal Warrant for a female photographer in 1943.
On February 26, 1952, Wilding photographed the young Queen wearing magnificent Norman Hartnell gowns and royal jewelry, such as the Diamond Diadem and the Girls of Great Britain and Ireland tiara. With an elegant simplicity, she utilized plain black and white backdrops, drawing all attention to the poise and grace of her subject. Out of the fifty-nine images taken during that session, one particular portrait became an icon. This three-quarter bust image of the Queen was selected for the 2½ pence stamp, released for the 1953 Coronation. The first stamp to depict Elizabeth II featured this portrait, and these stamps became commonly known as “Wildings.” The Queen’s head is turned slightly towards the viewer in a three-quarter profile, adding to the elegance of Wilding’s work.
For the ½d, 1d, 1½d, and 2d value stamps, the portrait was adorned with a decorative floral design created by Enid Marx. When we say a stamp has a value in “d,” this means its value in pennies. For example The notation “1½d” refers to one and a half (1.5) old pence. The “d” stands for “denarius,” a term used in pre-decimal British currency to denote pennies. Before 1971, the UK used pounds, shillings, and pence, with 12 pennies to the shilling and 20 shillings to the pound, totaling 240 pence in each pound. The currency change in the 1970s, known as decimalisation, significantly impacted stamps.
The stamps featuring this iconic portrait remained in circulation until 1971, and the photograph itself was hung in British Embassies around the world. Wilding’s work not only captured the Queen’s regal aura but also set a precedent for how the monarchy was represented on currency and official memorabilia. Her artistry continues to be celebrated and remembered as a key component of Britain’s visual heritage.
Introducing the Dorothy Wilding Silver Commemorative and Postage Stamp Set
To honour the legacy of Dorothy Wilding and her contribution to royal history, we are excited to present the First Dorothy Wilding Silver Commemorative and original postage stamp set. This exclusive offering celebrates the artistry of Wilding and the iconic image of Queen Elizabeth II that shaped an era.
This set features a beautifully designed half-ounce pure silver commemorative, adorned with an officially licensed portrait of Queen Elizabeth II by Dorothy Wilding. The striking image is courtesy of the National Portrait Gallery, London, and reflects the timeless elegance that made Wilding’s photographs so celebrated. The commemorative captures the Queen’s grace and the iconic simplicity of Wilding’s style, making it a collector’s treasure.
Accompanying the commemorative is an authentic Dorothy Wilding postage stamp, carefully selected from the 1952–1968 period. These stamps, available in vibrant colours and various denominations, offer a glimpse into the era when Wilding’s portraits of the Queen became a part of everyday British life.
But a limited quantity of just 250 sets being released this year, you will need to be quick to secure yours before they are all gone.
This exclusive collectible not only commemorates the artistry of Wilding but also celebrates the enduring legacy of Queen Elizabeth II. Each set includes a Certificate of Authenticity, affirming its place in history and the prestige of owning such a meaningful piece of royal heritage.
The Dragonfly and the Bloom Fine Silver Proof Coin: A Touch of Magic
Imagine capturing the beauty of a dragonfly hovering over a bloom on a sunny day. The Dragonfly and the Bloom Fine Silver Proof Coin brings this enchanting scene to life with an interactive design that lets you experience nature’s elegance every time you hold it.
A Coin That Moves With You
This 2024 movement coin features a gyroscopic design—tilt the coin, and the dragonfly circles around the golden bloom! Crafted from sterling silver and plated in yellow gold, the dragonfly and bloom are meticulously detailed to evoke sunlit warmth. The bloom’s center sparkles with a clear crystal, mimicking a dew drop glistening in sunlight.
Exceptional Realism and Golden Details
The coin’s intricate engraving draws viewers into a serene moment: ripples spread across the mirror-like “water” surface, with delicate water droplets adding depth. Both the dragonfly and bloom are cast in 3D and plated in yellow gold, but subtle variations in the finish enhance the realism. The inward curves of the flower petals soften the light, while the dragonfly’s wings and body shine brightly, catching the light in a way that beautifully contrasts with the bloom.
With 5 oz. of 99.99% pure silver and a generous 65.25mm diameter, the coin provides an expansive canvas. The backdrop depicts lily pads floating on rippling water, all polished to a beautiful proof finish. Each coin is truly a miniature work of art.
Limited and Exclusive
Only 1,250 of these coins were minted, and with the Royal Canadian Mint sold out, just 50 are available exclusively to UK collectors through Westminster. Each coin comes on a wooden base under a protective dome, accompanied by a certificate of authenticity.
Secure yours with a deposit of just £82.50 and bring a piece of magic to your collection.
Embrace this enchanting piece and hold onto its beauty all year round!