AUST SIXPENCE (1910-1945) 92.5%...

Here's a detailed report on the Australian Sixpence (1910–1945) with 92.5% silver content, covering historical context, design, composition, mintage, and collector notes.

Silver Content: 92.5% Sterling Silver

• The sixpence was introduced in 1910 following Australia's adoption of a national currency under the Australian Coinage Act of 1909.
   
• Struck to match British coinage standards in sterling silver (92.5%), it circulated alongside British coins until decimalisation in 1966.
   
• The 92.5% silver standard lasted until 1945, after which silver content was reduced to 50%.
   

FeatureDetailDenominationSixpenceMetal92.5% Silver, 7.5% CopperDiameter19.3 mmWeight2.83 gramsEdgeMilledMinting Period1910–1945 (Sterling Silver)Obverse DesignersVaries by monarchReverse DesignerW.H.J. Blakemore (initial design)  

ReignYearsPortrait UsedEdward VII1910Bare head, left (Engraver: George W. de Saulles)George V1911–1936Bare head, left (Engraver: Bertram Mackennal)Edward VIIINo coins issued–George VI1938–1945Bare head, left (Engraver: Thomas Humphrey Paget) 

• Common to all years (1910–1936): Australian Coat of Arms (1908 version): shield with cross and stars, kangaroo and emu supporters, and the motto "ADVANCE AUSTRALIA".
   
• From 1938, updated to match newer royal styling but retained core heraldic design.
   

YearMintageNotes19103,000,000First Australian sixpence19141,200,000Low mintage, collectible19183,888,000Scarcer issue19231,113,000Rare date, key to the series19351,760,000Low mintage, semi-key19392,140,000Wartime issue1942S12,108,000Minted in San Francisco (USA)1944S5,760,000US Mint (San Francisco), scarce19455,248,000Last year with sterling silver 

Coins struck at foreign mints during WWII (e.g., San Francisco) may show a small ‘S’ mintmark.
 

• Key Dates: 1914, 1918, 1923 (most sought-after), 1935, 1944S.
   
• 1923 Sixpence: Often sells for $500+ in VF, higher in better grades.
   
• Condition-sensitive: High-grade examples are rare due to circulation and silver wear.
   
• Toning: Attractive rainbow or blue-grey toning may increase value.
   
• Forgery Warning: 1923 and 1914 are often counterfeited.
   

• Each coin contains ~2.62g of pure silver.
   
• With silver at ~AUD $1.40/gram, bullion value is ~AUD $3.70 per coin.
   

Collector value often exceeds bullion, especially for scarcer dates.