Australian Sixpence

1922 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.
By 1922 the local Mints had been striking the Commonwealth coinage for a few years but there still seemed to be some teething issues.

Mintage
1,488,000

This coin is a classic example of the difficulties in trying to grade the Australian Sixpence series. The obverse has been struck with rusty dies and the reverse displays both a weak strike and worn die attributes. It is unusual to find fully formed stars in this series.
When looking at the obverse of these coins a collector should look at:
  • the centre diamond of the crown band;
  • the end of the moustache:
  • the top of the ear;
  • nicks and dents around the rim;
  • scratches or other defects on the surface;
  • a weak strike shows in the rim denticles and crown pattern and in the collar just under the chin, also the orb on the crown flattens out with die wear.


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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