Composition Copper-nickel (75% Cu, 25% Ni)
Weight 2.83g
Diameter 19.3mm
Thickness 1mm
Obverse
Young laureate portrait of Queen Elizabeth II right, legend around.
Note: no 'BRITT:OMN'
Script: Latin
Lettering: ELIZABETH·II·DEI·GRATIA·REGINA +
Translation: Elizabeth the Second by the Grace of God Queen
Engraver: Mary Gillick 
Reverse
Tudor rose, shamrock, thistle and leek aligned in a cross, legend above, denomination and date below.
Script: Latin
Lettering:
FID· DEF·
E·F C·T
SIX PENCE·1956
Unabridged legend: Fidei Defensatrix
Translation: Defender of the Faith
Engravers: Edgar Fuller, Cecil Thomas