Coin Story - The Wedding Sixpence

Something old, something new, something
borrowed and something blue
...and a silver sixpence in her shoe.

This dainty coin from Great Britain has a lot of history.  Most of us have heard of the wedding tradition of something blue, etc.
Some of us may not have heard the last line of the rhyme about a sixpence.  This tradition is from the Victorian era, and over time the last line is often left off.

Here is a breakdown of what the rhyme represents:
Something old was significant in the Victoria era as protection for future children the couple might have.  or Continuity.
Something new represented optimism for the future.
Something borrowed  was to bring the couple good luck.  Often it was something of sentimental value gifted from older relatives.
Something blue stands for love, purity and fidelity, which were considered the 3 key elements for a solid marriage.
The sixpence represents prosperity for the couple. 

The sixpence is no longer used as currency in Great Britain since they changed to the Euro. The first sixpence was minted in 1837. This particular design for the coin was issued in 1952 to 1980.  It features the national plants which include the Wales leek, the Scotland thistle, the Ireland shamrock, and the rose of England. Fortunately, these coins are still available through coin collectors, and I am able to paint them.

Ann
PS - I was delighted to make this coin into cufflinks for my son, and a pendant for my daughter-in-law at their wedding!