The
sixpence (
6d; ), sometimes known as a
tanner or
sixpenny bit, was a coin 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 new pence. The coin was made from silver from its introduction in 1551 to 1947, and thereafter in
cupronickel.