Mintage:7,672,000 Reverse Designer:W. H. J. BlakemoreObverse Designer:Mary GillickSize:19mmWeight:2.83gEdge:ReededComposition:50% Silver 40% Copper 5% Nickel 5% Zinc
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The 1954 Sixpence was the second piece in the Queen Elizabeth II series and was the final issue of this short two year
type before the obverselegend
was modified. The year was produced at the Melbourne Mint to
a total
mintage
of 7,672,000. This large
mintage
coupled with the discovery of a number of mint-state hordes makes this a very affordable year with piece easily obtainable
into MS65 and even MS66. Population reports by PCGS show an extremely large number of mint-state examples with over one hundred
MS65 and MS64 examples, more than double most of years in the series. Collectors seeking an affordable and attractive mint-state
example from early in HM Queen Elizabeth II's reign would do well to further examine MS65 and MS66 examples from this year.
This piece was the final year in the sixpence series to lack the traditional 'F.D' (Defender of the Faith) inscription
on the obverselegend. The inscription had been removed with
the introduction of Queen Elizabeth II's new portrait in 1953. This had attracted substantial controversy with groups including
'The United Protestant's Association' and a number of Australian Bishops leading protests against the change. Commonwealth
authorities initially defended their decision arguing that the changes were for simplicity sake and they did not intend to
cause any disrespect or make a political message. Both the 1953 and 1954 Sixpence feature the 'godless' legend but in 1955
the Authorities bowed to the pressure and added 'F.D'.
Defender of the Faith 'F.D' inscription on a 1955 Proof Sixpence.
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