By Sheree Zielke
"Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue." Most of us have heard that old adage before, probably many times before, in anticipation of a wedding day. However, the version we are familiar with is actually missing something: a silver coin.
The modern verse is a shortened version of an old Victorian saying; it's missing one line -- this line: ". . . and a silver sixpence in her shoe."
A sixpence? It's a coin that was minted in the United Kingdom between 1551 and 1967. More than 20 versions of the silver sixpence were created in honour of English kings and queens.
The last real silver sixpence was issued in 1947, to honor King George VI; all the following sixpences were minted in cupro-nickel. The very last sixpence was issued in 1967, in honor of Queen Elizabeth II. By 1980, the sixpence was no longer legal tender, but the coins remained highly collectible, especially amongst coin collectors, and brides.
A silver sixpence was once tucked into every Victorian bride's shoe as a good luck charm, something that would ensure future wealth, in terms of both love and money. Today, brides might opt for a penny in their shoe instead, although sixpences are easily accessed online.
The Silver Sixpence Company, located in the United Kingdom, offers coins and advice to new brides on how to choose a suitable sixpence for their wedding. Suggestions include choosing a sixpence with names that match the bride and groom's names; choosing an historical event; or choosing a coin where the first two digits of its year match a wedding day's date.
But, remember, in order to achieve good luck, one aspect of this Victorian tradition must still be honored. Regardless of whether a copper penny or a silver sixpence is used – the coin must go into the bride's left shoe. In keeping with the old superstition, only a coin in the left shoe will activate good fortune.
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