What it would buy in today's money
Because prices have risen so much, a sixpence bought far more in the past than its decimal value suggests:
| Year | A sixpence in 2025 prices |
|---|---|
| 1850 | £4.73 |
| 1900 | £4.32 |
| 1938 | £2.36 |
| 1950 | £1.20 |
| 1960 | £0.81 |
| 1970 | £0.54 |
About the sixpence
The sixpence, or “tanner”, was a small silver-coloured coin worth half a shilling. It is still remembered in traditions such as a sixpence in the Christmas pudding and a “silver sixpence in her shoe” for a bride. It carried on as 2½p after decimalisation until 1980.
When it went: Stayed in use as 2½p until 1980.
Quick facts
| Value | 6d |
| Decimal equivalent | 2½p |
| Nickname | tanner |
| Per pound | 40 |
Today's values use the ONS composite price index (Open Government Licence v3.0).
Common questions
How much was a sixpence worth in decimal money?
A sixpence was worth 6d, which is 2½p in decimal money.
How many sixpences were in a pound?
There were 40 sixpences in a pound.
What would a sixpence from 1950 be worth today?
About £1.20 in 2025 prices, based on ONS price data.
Other old coins
Farthing · Halfpenny · Penny · Threepenny bit · Shilling · Florin · Half crown · Crown · Ten-shilling note · Sovereign · Guinea