Australian Sixpence

1912 Australian Silver Sixpence

Sterling Silver
King George V began his reign in 1910 but coins with his effigy were not minted until 1911, the portrait was designed by an Australian, Sir Edgar Bertram Mackennal.
The local mints in Sydney and Melbourne had been employed in the striking of gold sovereigns and half-sovereigns but were not prepared to cope with the new currency and for the first few years Australian coins were ordered from the Royal Mint in London.


Image Courtesy of Downies-Australian Coin Auctions
Mintage
1,600,000


Points to consider when grading the reverse are:
  • the Emu's back feathers;
  • the shoulder and haunches of the kangaroo;
  • the head of the emu;
  • the point of the Federation star;
  • the sharpness of details on the denticles, lettering, scroll and shield;
  • the rim for dents and nicks;
  • A weak strike will show in the grass and the shield, the Emu's back, Advance Australia and the centre top of the shield.


Specifications
Composition: .925 silver
Silver Content: 0.0841 oz
Edge: Reeded
Weight: 2.83 grams
Size: 19.0 mm
Obverse: Sir Edgar Bertram Mackennal
Reverse: W.H.J. Blakemore

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