1914 Sixpence

X14L.2A
Mint: London
Mint mark: none
Mintage: 1,800,000

John Dean1 reported and illustrated two varieties of the 1914 sixpence. The first is described as "London, no mintmark, 4 of date close to right arrow" and the second as "... 4 of date further from right arrow." From Dean's photographs it is apparent that there are also differences in the alignment and orientation of the final two digits. Robert Clarke2 lists the "4 of date closer to arrow" variety. Dion Skinner4 illustrates a completely different variety wherein the second 1 of the date has an indented base but does not mention the variations described by Dean and Clarke.

My own investigations indicate that the 1914 sixpence has a much more complex set of varieties than suggested by previous catalogue compilers. I suspect that working dies were made from a 19__ partial-date puncheon with both the 1 and the 4 being added by hand. I can't be absolutely sure because I've had to work with very low-grade coins. Of the 18 specimens in my collection, only four rank VG or better.

Anyway, I have identified at least six varieties of the 1914 sixpence excluding the "indented 1" variety illustrated by Skinner (which I have not seen). I strongly suspect that there are more.

Reverse of 1914 sixpence

| X14L.2A One of the several varieties of the 1914 sixpence.

Date varieties of the 1914 sixpence

| X14L.2A.1 Second 1 leans to the right and is positioned over the gap between denticles 69 and 70. The 4 is quite far from the right arrow.
| X14L.2A.2 Almost the same as the previous variety. Second 1 leans noticeably to the right. 4 is quite upright and a tiny bit closer to the right arrow.
| X14L.2A.3 Second 1 is upright and is aligned directly over rim denticle 69. The 4 is almost upright and is aligned directly over rim denticle 65.
| X14L.2A.4 Second 1 is upright and aligned slightly to the left of rim denticle 69. The 4 leans a little to the left, is slighly closer to the right arrow and is aligned directly over rim denticle 65.
| X14L.2A.5 The 4 is even closer to the right arrow and more upright than in previous variety.
| X14L.2A.6 4 is very close to right arrow and is aligned slightly to the right of denticle 65.

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