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Collectors Guide

Edward VII Sixpence

The Edward VII sixpence was issued from 1902 to 1910 as part of British sterling silver coinage. Widely circulated and commonly encountered in lower grades, the series becomes more challenging in higher condition. This page provides a complete reference to Edward VII sixpences, including specifications, design features and collector insights.

Introduction

The Edward VII Sixpence was struck from 1902 to 1910 in sterling silver (.925), representing one fortieth of a pound. It is a compact and well-designed coin carrying the portrait of Edward VII by George William de Saulles on the obverse, with a reverse also by de Saulles featuring the value within a wreath. This page provides an overview of the Edward VII Sixpence series, including key dates, varieties, and year-by-year reference images.


The sixpence ran annually throughout the reign with no substantial design change. The series is broadly consistent in availability, with circulated examples of most dates encountered without difficulty. As with the halfcrown and florin, the 1905 is the key date — significantly scarcer than its neighbours and a genuinely rewarding find in any grade above Fine.

Coinage Details

1902–1910 — Annual issues throughout the reign in sterling silver. The 1902 sixpence was produced in matt proof format for the Coronation proof set. The 1905 is the key date of the series and commands a premium at all grades. Varieties are recorded across several dates, principally in the alignment of border elements and letter positioning, and are best attributed from high-grade examples where the die detail is intact.

Edward VII Sixpence

A straightforward series, with no varieties, but significant differences in scarcity between some dates. 1904 and 1905 are the most desirable.

The dies for the 1904 and 1905 reverses were retouched slightly, with thicker foliage. It's particularly noticeable in the olive leaves at about 8 o'clock.

1902 Sixpence 1902
1903 Sixpence 1903
1904 Sixpence 1904
1905 Sixpence 1905
1906 Sixpence 1906
1907 Sixpence 1907
1908 Sixpence 1908
1909 Sixpence 1909
1910 Sixpence 1910

Specifications

Years Issued 1902–1910
Diameter 19.3 mm
Weight 2.83 g
Edge Milled
Alloy Silver (.925)
Obverse Designer George William de Saulles
Reverse Designer George William de Saulles

Year-by-Year Reference

1902

1902 Sixpence
Obverse Reverse
1902 Sixpence Obverse 1902 Sixpence Reverse

1903

1903 Sixpence
Obverse Reverse
1903 Sixpence Obverse 1903 Sixpence Reverse

1904

1904 Sixpence
Obverse Reverse
1904 Sixpence Obverse 1904 Sixpence Reverse

1905

1905 Sixpence
Obverse Reverse
1905 Sixpence Obverse 1905 Sixpence Reverse

1906

1906 Sixpence
Obverse Reverse
1906 Sixpence Obverse 1906 Sixpence Reverse

1907

1907 Sixpence
Obverse Reverse
1907 Sixpence Obverse 1907 Sixpence Reverse

1908

1908 Sixpence
Obverse Reverse
1908 Sixpence Obverse 1908 Sixpence Reverse

1909

1909 Sixpence
Obverse Reverse
1909 Sixpence Obverse 1909 Sixpence Reverse

1910

1910 Sixpence
Obverse Reverse
1910 Sixpence Obverse 1910 Sixpence Reverse

References

Attributions and variety identifications for the Edward VII Sixpence series are based principally on the standard published references listed below. These works form the core framework for catalogue numbering, die classification, and comparative study.

  • Coins of England and the United Kingdom
  • ESC – English Silver Coinage
  • Bull – English Silver Coinage since 1649
  • Davies – British Silver Coins since 1816
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