Other Definitions
sixpence (dict)
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SixpenceThe scilling or scylling (which possibly comes from the Teutonic root skil meaning to divide) was used in Anglo-Saxon times as money of account, even though no coins of that denomination existed. It was mentioned not only in Anglo-Saxon poems as scylling, but also in the 14th century by the poet Langland as shilling. The Saxon Scilling was considered to be five pence (a fore-runner of decimalisation when the shilling equalled five new pence), but William I fixed its value at twelvepence, that value continued until 1971. See also * Irish sixpence coin
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