sixpence

noun

Etymology: From six + pence.

1. The value of six old pence; half of a shilling; or one-fortieth of a pound sterling.

   “Finest apples, sixpence each.”

   “When the ferry-boat with her wild freight pushed into the stream, nobody cared sixpence for the wasted time but the captain of the craft.”

2. A former British or Irish coin worth six pennies, first minted in 1551.

   “Have you got two sixpences for a shilling?”

   “"One penny, sir!" He was roused at once from his abstraction; for it was a question to himself whether he had even that in his pocket. Sixpence was, however, discovered; he paid the toll, and passed on.”