Mintage:14,248,000 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 1955 Sixpence was the first piece in the Queen Elizabeth II Sixpence series to be issued with the Defender of the
Faith 'F.D' inscription in the obverselegend. The year was produced at the Melbourne
Mint to a total
mintage
of 14,248,000. This was the largest
mintage
in the series so far and remain that way until 1958. Although the
mintage
was high relatively few examples have survived in mint-state, particularly when compared to the abundance of mint-state
1954 Sixpence. Obtaining a mint-state example up to MS64 is reasonably affordable but at MS65 and beyond the type is far
more prohibitive.
Defender of the Faith 'F.D' inscription on a 1955 Sixpence.
This issue was the first in the Elizabeth II sixpence series to feature the 'F.D' (Defender of the Faith) inscription
on the obverselegend. The inscription had included on the
obverse of British coins for many years before being 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'.
"F.D." Back On Our Coins - The Newcastle Sun, 23rd December 1953.
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