Australian Sixpence

1939 Australian Silver Sixpence

Sterling Silver
This year is the beginning World War II, the quality of striking for most coins deteriorated. There were a number of reasons for this. Less care was taken in the preparation of the dies, the dies were used in longer production runs before being replaced, and quality controls were relaxed as more pressing matters of war took precedence.


Image Courtesy of Downies-Australian Coin Auctions
Mintage
1,488,000

George VI oversaw many changes to our coinage during his reign,the Arms of Australia which had adorned the reverse of all the silver issues since 1910 had been obsolete since 1912 and was being replaced. Sixpence were the only coins to remain unchanged.
The George VI obverse gets quite difficult to properly grade in the Sixpence series.
When looking at the obverse of these coins a collector should look at:
  • the King's eyebrow;
  • the top of the ear;
  • definition in the hair;
  • the sharpness of details on the denticles and lettering;
  • the rim for dents and nicks;
  • A weak strike will show in the hair, ear, eye, mouth and nose.


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

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