1999 FIFTY CENTS - .999 Silver 1918 Sixpence

Obverse:Queen Elizabeth II - Design by Ian Rank-Broadley.
Legend: ELIZABETH. II. AUSTRALIA 1999 - FIFTY CENTS
Reverse:1918 Sixpence - Design by W. H. J. Blakemore.
Legend: SIXPENCE 1918
Edge:Reeded - continuous mill.
Weight:3.24 grams.
Size:19.41 mm (diameter).
Composition:.999 Silver
Mintage:Canberra - 15,000.
Mintmarks:None.

Valuation :
1999 FIFTY CENTS - .999 Silver - 1918 Sixpence

Proof
200228

Notes:

This coin was not issued for circulation. It was included as part of a 6 coin proof Masterpieces in Silver - Coins of the 20th Century - Memories set released by the Canberra mint.

Our Boys at War

While Australia's boys and men were at war, at home the 1918 sixpence gained special significance. The sixpences minted from 1910 to 1963 were unusual in the Australian pre-decimal Commonwealth coin issues as there was no change in their reverse design.

Regarded as the 'working man's coin', only 915,000 of the 1918 sixpences were minted contributing to their greater wear and tear. As a result, their rarity in high grade adds to the 1918 issue's attractiveness as a collector's item.

As few of the original 1918 sixpences designed by W.H.J. Blakemore exist today, this reproduction of the reverse design gives coin lovers the opportunity to view one of our rare coins. It is interesting to note that the 'M' mintmark which appeared on all 1918 sixpences below the date has been omitted from the reverse of the 1999 fifty cent design.

Source: Booklet accompanying the 1999 Masterpieces in Silver - Coins of the 20th Century - Memories - Set.

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