The sixpence is known as a lucky coin and was part of the traditional bridal rhyme

"something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue and a silver sixpence for her shoe"

Sixpence traditionaly placed in the brides left shoe by her father represents wealth and prosperity.

All sixpences minted prior to 1920 were made from silver. Between the years of 1921 - 1946 were made from 50% silver and 50% cupronickle.  From 1946 all sixpences were then minted in cupronickle as it was more cost effective.

It's said that the earlier sixpences became worth more financially for their silver content than their value as a coin and the jewellery trade melted them down to make items.