The second type of the Elizabeth II Sixpence series was issued between 1955 and 1963. The obverse of this new type features a modified legend which reads - 'ELIZABETH II DEI GRATIA REGINA F:D' ('Elizabeth II, by the Grace of God, Queen, Defender of the Faith'). The legend was modified to include 'F:D' ('Defender of the Faith') which had been removed from British coins following the death of King George VI. The removal had attracted substantial controversy with groups including 'The United Protestant's Association' and a number of Australian Bishops leading protests against the change.
