The Jenny Wren x Lucky Sixpence

Jenny Wren Lucky sixpence coin jewellery – Handcrafted and recycled ‘out of circulation’ sixpence coins.

A beautiful, original and very lucky sixpence design brought to you from the heart of Hairy Growler.  Combining the natural beauty of the Jenny Wren from the lovely Farthing coin with the Luck of the sixpence.  Each one is hand crafted.  The lucky little wren is carefully hand drawn on to the coin.  This sketch is then worked upon with traditional hand tools and techniques, transforming a lucky sixpence into a beautiful new variant.

These lovely little lucky charms are a great gift for yourself or anyone you know who was born in 1940’s, 1950’s and 1960’s. Each one is handcrafted from a genuine sixpence.  The gorgeous ‘antique’ patina finish is completely natural and original. Check out the drop down menu for a list of currently available years.

You are also welcome to choose the lucky Jenny Wren sixpence as a keepsake lucky token to be carried in a purse or wallet. If this option is cozen the design will be created without the necklace loop so it sits flat in a pocket or purse.

If you decide upon a silver chain you are also welcome to choose a little charm to hang from the hand wrought silver ‘hairy growler’ safety hook. These are also 100 % hand made and recycled from silver, bronze and copper coins.

Good luck and best wishes. Handcrafted and recycled in Cambridge, UK.

Size : Approx 19 mm diameter

A little more detail…

The lucky sixpence tradition, where the coin is given as a symbol of good luck, has its roots in British history, particularly in wedding and Christmas traditions. Introduced in 1551 during the reign of Edward VI, the sixpence was a circulating coin for centuries. Its association with good luck is linked to various customs, including placing it in a bride’s shoe or including it in a Christmas pudding. The lucky sixpence lore has been firmly establish through many of our traditions. These traditions are part of the soul of our culture.

Origins of the Sixpence as a Lucky Charm:

Wedding Tradition:It’s common for a sixpence to be placed in a bride’s shoe to wish her good fortune. This practice is thought to have originated in the early 1600s when the Lord of the Manor presented the coin as a wedding gift, and later, it became a customary dowry gift.

Christmas Pudding Tradition:Another tradition involves placing a sixpence in the Christmas pudding before it’s cooked. The person who finds the sixpence in their portion on Christmas Day is said to have good luck for the coming year. This tradition is believed to have started during Victorian times, specifically on the Sunday before Advent, known as “Stir Up Sunday,” according to The East India Company Collections.

Fairies and the Sixpence:Some folklore suggests that fairies would reward a tidy maid or housewife by leaving a sixpence in her shoe.

The Sixpence’s History as a Coin:The sixpence was first struck in 1551, during the reign of Edward VI, and was initially a silver coin.
It was a popular coin in British pre-decimal coinage for over 400 years. It was demonetized in 1980, but its legacy as a lucky charm endures.

The sixpence’s journey from a circulating coin to a symbol of good luck is a testament to its enduring presence in British culture and tradition.

The Jenny Wren…

Most wrens are small and rather inconspicuous birds, except for their loud and often complex songs. Quite symbolic ! This lovely little coin looks even prettier when it has been hand cut, filed, hand carved with traditional flourish scrolls, polished. An old farthing coin given a fantastic new life as a pendant. A lovely, original pendant with a fantastic history and symbolism The wren, often diminutive in size, carries significant artistic symbolism, representing joy, renewal and cleverness. In Celtic lore, the wren’s song is seen as a message for the future and a reminder to embrace happiness.

Symbol of British Wildlife: The wren is one of the smallest and most widespread birds in the UK. Its presence in gardens and woodlands makes it a familiar, joyful sight for many people.  Aesthetically it was a wonderful choice for a small coin.

Joy and Happiness:The wren’s cheerful song is a consistent symbol of joy and a reminder to appreciate life’s happy moments.

Renewal and Hope:In Celtic tradition, the wren is associated with renewal, particularly around the winter solstice, and the cyclical nature of life.

Cultural Representation: The wren’s choice for the farthing coin symbolizes a connection to nature and the countryside, resonating with the British public’s appreciation for wildlife. It reflects out national identity that values the natural environment.

Ingenuity and Wit:Wrens are known for their cleverness and ability to overcome challenges, often outsmarting larger birds, symbolizing resourcefulness and adaptability.

Saint Stephen.The Wren’s song is linked through time to St Stephen. St. Stephen, the first Christian martyr, is celebrated on December 26th, which is also known as St. Stephen’s Day or Boxing Day. In Ireland, the day is also associated with the “Hunting the Wren” tradition, where a wren is symbolically hunted, inspired by a legend that a wren betrayed St. Stephen’s hiding place to his enemies. St. Stephen was one of the first deacons of the early Christian church. He was known for his faith and preaching, but was ultimately stoned to death for blasphemy by the Jewish authorities in Jerusalem. The legend in Ireland connects the wren to St. Stephen’s death, stating that the bird’s chattering betrayed his hiding place, leading to his capture and execution.

Most wrens are small and rather inconspicuous birds, except for their loud and often complex songs. Quite symbolic ! This lovely little coin looks even prettier when it has been hand cut, filed and polished. An old lucky sixpence crossed with a Jenny red for the ultimate fusion of British tradition. An old coin given a fantastic new life as a pendant. A lovely, original pendant with a fantastic history and symbolism.