Yes, sixpences are worth something, ranging from a few pounds for common ones to much more for rare dates or better condition coins, depending on their silver content (pre-1947) and collectability, with some modern commemorative ones also holding value. Most sixpences from after 1946 are cupronickel and worth little, but older, silver ones have significant bullion value and collector appeal, especially rare dates like the 1952 issue.
At MJ Hughes Coins, we buy all British silver coins struck before 1947, including Crowns, Double Florins, Halfcrowns, Florins, Shillings, Sixpences and Threepences.
A mid grade condition 1952 Cupronickel Sixpence is worth about £36.00. (value mid point between VF and EF). View all English coins struck dated 1952. Guide prices shown are from the Token Publishing Coin Yearbook 2022 for Fine, VF, EF and Uncirculated condition.
An unworn sixpence dated prior to 1920 contains 0.0841 oz of silver, and this gives a bullion value of about £3.12 or US$4.11. Sixpence from the period 1920 to 1946 contain 0.0454 oz of silver and thus had a bullion value of £1.68 or US$2.22. Please note that the silver price and exchange rates fluctuate.
Arguably the most valuable one penny coin is the 1933 George V penny, which is worth an estimated value of £72,000. Although this was originally created as a pattern coin – which means it is not intended for release into circulation – it is believed seven were issued, making them extraordinarily rare.
Unlike current withdrawn decimal notes (such as older £20 or £50 notes), pre-decimal money has been out of circulation for over 50 years. Because of this, no high street bank will accept them, and the Bank of England only exchanges decimal notes, not coins or pre-decimal notes.
Polishing and/or cleaning coins can reduce their value. Older coins that show deep age coloration are more desirable than coins whose surfaces have been stripped away by improper polishing or cleaning. If you do polish a coin to remove dirt, use mild soap and water.
High grade cupro-nickel coins are becoming harder to find, and owing to lack of appreciation in the wider dealer market even the choicer grades are bulked in with low grade material increasing tarnish, bag marks and the like.
Are silver coins worth selling? Yes, silver coins can be worth far more than their face value, especially if they contain high silver content, are pre-1965, or have collectible appeal. Coins with rare dates, low mintage, or excellent condition can command significant premiums from collectors and investors alike.
The oil-base makes WD-40 reasonably effective at removing it without a lot of work. There is of course some sacrifice when this stuff is removed but fortunately the metal underneath is in pretty good condition and the coin, in hand, is much more presentable.
925 sterling silver until 1920 when it was changed to . 500 half silver then from 1947 it was made from cupronickel. Following decimalisation, on 15 February 1971, the coin remained in circulation with a value of 2½ new pence. It was taken out of circulation in 1980.
“During World War II, pennies were made of steel to save copper for the war effort. However, a few were mistakenly made of bronze, and these are extremely rare and valuable. Made of 95% copper and 5% tin and zinc alloy, it sold for $1.7 million in 2010 but is valued at $2.3 in mint uncirculated condition.”
