1919-M Sixpence

The 1919-M Sixpence was the fourth issue in the series to be produced at the Melbourne Mint in Australia. The reverse features W. H. J. Blakemore's simple Coat of Arms design and the obverse houses George W. De Saules portrait of King George V. A small 'M' mint-mark is also located beneath the date on the reverse. The total mintage for the year was 1,521,000 - which is a relatively typical for the series. The type is reasonably scarce with only a very limited number of mint-state examples.

Melbourne 'M' mint-mark on the reverse of a 1919-M Specimen Sixpence.

In late 1915 it was decided that the production of Australia's coinage would be shifted from Britain to Australia. New dies for the Australian Shilling, Florin, Sixpence, and Threepence were produced in London for use at the Melbourne Mint with a small 'M' mint-mark. Arrangements were also made for Australia's bronze coins to be manufactured at the Calcutta branch of the Royal Mint.