guinea

coin

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Last updated

June 29, 2026

Quick Summary

The guinea was an English gold coin issued between 1663 and 1813. It was initially valued at 20 shillings but was later fixed at 21 shillings in 1717. The name "guinea" originated from the region in Africa believed to be the source of the gold used to mint the coin. The guinea was part of the coinage system during the reign of Charles II and was struck using a new milling technique at the Tower Mint in London.12

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coin
Modern coinage
…broad, in 1662 by the guinea, so called from the provenance of its gold. This was a 20-shilling piece. It was not until 1717, after various oscillations, that its value was fixed at 21 shillings. His silver coins were the crown, half-crown, shilling, and so on, all regularly and beautifully…
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…broad, in 1662 by the guinea, so called from the provenance of its gold. This was a 20-shilling piece. It was not until 1717, after various oscillations, that its value was fixed at 21 shillings. His silver coins were the crown, half-crown, shilling, and so on, all regularly and beautifully…
Read More