With the Great Recoinage of 1816, the sixpence series was resumed. It featured a new design very similar to that of the shilling. The initial design for the obverse was by Benedetto Pistrucci and engraved by Thomas Wyon, junior (1792-1817). The reverse was both designed and engraved by Thomas Wyon, junior. After the latter’s untimely death in 1817, engraving work was carried out by Pistruci himself, but under the prevailing legislation foreigners were debarred from holding the position of Chief Engraver. The craftsmanship and quality of striking of this series was extremely good, and specimens in the higher grades frequently exhibit a prooflike appearance.
The sixpences of 1816 and later remained legal tender even after decimalisation in 1971, the coin was later demonetized despite some degree of public opinion which wanted to retain a denomination of 2 ½ (decimal) pence.
The sixpences of George III should be collected in extremely fine or better condition. In these grades the excellent quality of the workmanship will be best appreciated. The coin presented here is the first of the new currency, its condition is Gem Uncirculated and it has a fantastic toning... A beauty!
PURCHASE THIS 1816 BULL HEAD SIXPENCE IN GEM UNC TO YOUR COLLECTION
SEE OTHER BULL HEAD SIXPENCES
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