The sixpence was demonetized in 1980, making any gold proof restrike an explicitly commemorative object with no pretense of monetary function. These 2021–2022 issues trade on the coin's sentimental reputation — the sixpence had survived decimalization longer than almost any other pre-decimal denomination, kept alive largely by the wedding tradition of placing one in a bride's shoe.
The rose gold alloy is a deliberate departure from the Royal Mint's standard proof gold, chosen for these restrikes rather than the original cupro-nickel composition.
The sixpence was demonetized in 1980, making any gold proof restrike an explicitly commemorative object with no pretense of monetary function. These 2021–2022 issues trade on the coin's sentimental reputation — the sixpence had survived decimalization longer than almost any other pre-decimal denomination, kept alive largely by the wedding tradition of placing one in a bride's shoe.
The rose gold alloy is a deliberate departure from the Royal Mint's standard proof gold, chosen for these restrikes rather than the original cupro-nickel composition.