A new King, a new coin – The 1937 King George VI silver sixpence...

Every coin tells a story, and the 1937 King George VI silver sixpence captures a moment of change—not just in silver coinage, but in the history of the monarchy itself. This little coin marked the start of a new reign, minted in the first year of King George VI’s rule following the dramatic abdication of his brother, Edward VIII.

Struck in .500 fine silver, the 1937 sixpence belongs to the last generation of British coins made with real silver for circulation. The silver content was already reduced from sterling levels (a shift made in 1920), but these coins still carried intrinsic value beyond their face worth—a small but shining link to Britain’s rich monetary past.

What I love about the 1937 sixpence is its understated beauty. The obverse features George VI’s left-facing portrait, a calm and steady image of a king who never expected to wear the crown. On the reverse, you’ll find a classic English design: a crowned interwoven thistle, rose, leek, and shamrock—symbols of the unity of the nations of the United Kingdom.

Despite its small size, the sixpence was a coin of significance. Often given as a token of luck, especially at weddings or tucked into Christmas puddings, it had a charm that went far beyond its monetary value. My 1937 example has softened details from circulation, but that only adds to its character—it’s a coin that’s lived a life.

Owning a 1937 sixpence feels like holding a piece of a fresh chapter in history. It reminds me that silver stacking isn’t just about bullion weight or modern mintages—it’s also about the heritage, the stories, and the small coins that passed through the hands of ordinary people in extraordinary times.