sixpence

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The British sixpence () coin, sometimes known as a tanner, was a denomination of sterling coinage worth six old pence: 1⁄40 of a pound or half a shilling. In 1971 it became worth the equivalent of 2.5 new pence. It was first minted in England in 1551, during the reign of Edward VI, and circulated until 1980. The coin was made from silver from its introduction in 1551 until 1947, and thereafter in cupronickel. Before Decimal Day in 1971, sterling used the Carolingian monetary system (£sd), under which the largest unit was a pound (£), divisible into 20 shillings (s), each worth 12 pence (d), the value of two pre-decimal sixpence coins. Following decimalisation, the old sixpence had a value of 2+1⁄2 new pence (£0.025). In 2016, new decimal sixpences (face value £0.06) began being minted by the Royal Mint as commemorative issues; these coins have been produced for each year since then, and are minted in sterling silver. They are not intended for circulation as tender, but just like older mintages, these coins continue to have uses in especially Christmas and wedding traditions; cf. § Cultural significance, below.