when did a sixpence go out of circulation
Sixpence (British coin) 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.
At sixes and sevens An ancient dispute between the Merchant Taylors and Skinners livery companies is the probable origin of the phrase.[1] The two trade associations, both founded in the same year (1327[2]), argued over sixth place in the order of precedence. In 1484, after more than a century and a half of bickering, the Lord Mayor of London Sir Robert Billesden ruled that at the feast of Corpus Christi, the companies would swap between sixth and seventh place and feast in each other's halls. Nowadays, they alternate in precedence on an annual basis.[1][2]