Why a Sixpence Is No Longer Worth Sixpence: The Hidden Value of Old Coins

You might look at a coin marked “Sixpence” and assume it’s worth… well, sixpence. But in today's world, that small silver piece might actually be worth several pounds — and not just because of nostalgia. On this page, we’ll explore why coins from Britain’s past have outgrown their original face value, and what truly gives them their worth today.

 

From Currency to Commodity: The Shift in Value

Old coins were once real money. They were used in markets, tucked into purses, or gifted in wedding shoes. But over time, three things happened:

1.Inflation decreased the spending power of money.

2.Coins were removed from circulation — many melted, lost, or hoarded.

3.Metal prices rose, meaning the value of the metal inside the coin is now worth more than its stamped denomination.

This is why a bronze farthing, once worth a quarter of a penny, might now be worth more simply in scrap value — never mind its collectability.

Examples Through the Ages

Sixpence Coins (1551–1970)

  • Face Value: 6 old pence (½ shilling, or 1/40th of a pound)
  • Silver Content:

    • Pre-1920: 92.5% sterling silver

    • 1920–1946: 50% silver

    • Post-1947: Cupronickel (no silver)

  • Today’s Value:

    • A 1910 sixpence in fair condition = £2–£25 (based on silver weight)

    • A 1960s sixpence (non-silver) = £1–£6 depending on demand

So a 6d coin from 1910 now holds several pounds' worth of silver, often being worth a hundred times more than its original denominative value.

Shillings (1548–1971)

  • Face Value: 12 old pence (1/20th of a pound)

  • Silver Content:

    • Pre-1920 = 92.5%

    • 1920–1946 = 50%

    • Post-1947 = Cupronickel

  • Today’s Value:

    • A 1916 shilling = around £4–£7 in melt value alone

Farthing Coins (1860–1956)

  • Face Value: ¼ of a penny (1/960th of a pound!)

  • Material: Bronze

  • Today’s Value:

    • Scrap bronze value of a single farthing ≈ 15–30p, sometimes more depending on metal markets.

    • Collectors may pay £1–£5+ for clean examples.

In real terms, the value of a farthing has increased over 30-fold, based on metal alone.

Why Metal Matters

Metals like silver, copper and nickel are commodities — their values fluctuate on the global market. In many cases, the metal alone is worth more than the coin’s original spending power.

For example, silver today (June 2025) is worth approx. £0.65 per gram. A pre-1920 sixpence weighs about 2.8g — that’s £1.80 in silver, without factoring in any historical or collector value.

What Else Adds Value to Old Coins?

  • Age & rarity (e.g. Edward VIII coins, low-mintage years)

  • Condition (sharper detail = higher value)

  • Design or symbolism (florins with St George, wren farthings, etc.)

  • Cultural significance (e.g. coins from coronation years)

Why This Matters for Jewellery

At Prenoa, we use real coins — not plated imitations. That means each piece holds:

  • Real historical value

  • Authentic metal worth

  • A tangible connection to the past

So when you wear a sixpence, you’re not wearing “just” sixpence — you’re wearing a miniature time capsule, made from precious material, and reimagined with craftsmanship.

In Summary

Old coins like the sixpence or farthing have outlived their face value. Their worth now lies in their metal, rarity, and the story they carry. Whether kept in a collection or worn as jewellery, they offer more than currency — they offer connection.


Want to explore real coin jewellery that holds meaning and value?
 Browse the Prenoa Collection ➤