<P> The sixpence ( 6d ; / ˈsɪkspəns / ) , sometimes known as a tanner or sixpenny bit , is a coin that was worth one - fortieth of a pound sterling , or six pence . It was first minted in the reign of Edward VI and circulated until 1980 . Following decimalisation in 1971 it had a value of 2 1 / 2 new pence . The coin was made from silver from its introduction in 1551 to 1947 , and thereafter in cupronickel . </P>
<P> The sixpence ( 6d ; / ˈsɪkspəns / ) , sometimes known as a tanner or sixpenny bit , is a coin that was worth one - fortieth of a pound sterling , or six pence . It was first minted in the reign of Edward VI and circulated until 1980 . Following decimalisation in 1971 it had a value of 2 1 / 2 new pence . The coin was made from silver from its introduction in 1551 to 1947 , and thereafter in cupronickel . </P>
when did a sixpence go out of circulation
when did a sixpence go out of circulation
1980
1980