South Africa 1955 6 pence

from the Mountain Groan Collection

South Africa, after a turbulent history between English and Dutch settlers and the native population, was constituted the Union of South Africa in 1910. Coinage commenced in 1923. The sixpence pieces were originally 0.800 fine silver (KM 16, issued 1923-36 and KM 27, issued 1937-50), then 0.500 fine silver (KM 36.2, issued 1951-52 and KM 48, issued 1953-60). Additional 2½ cent pieces were struck 1961-64 after the white-dominated Republic of South Africa withdrew from the Commonwealth. With the collapse of apartheid, collecting South African coins is now respectable again.

Recorded mintage: 1,969,000 plus 2,650 proofs.

Specification: 2.83 g, 0.500 fine silver, 19.4 mm diameter, reeded edge, designed by Mary Gillick and G. E. Kruger-Gray.

Catalog reference: KM 48.

Source:

• Michael, Thomas, and Tracy L. Schmidt, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1901-2000, 47th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2019.
• Hern, Brian, John Bothma and Hercie Pieterse, Hern's Handbook on South African Coins & Patterns, Ferndale, South Africa, 2013.

Link to:

• 1950 sixpence
• 1952 shilling
• 1955 farthing
• 1956 ½ penny
• 1955 penny
• Australia 1955 6 pence
• Ireland 1955 6 pence
• New Zealand 1955 6 pence
• 1955 5 shillings
• 1955 half pound
• 1955 pound
• 1957 5 shillings
• 1960 shilling
• Coins and currency dated 1955