United Kingdom Spade Guinea Token 1790

United Kingdom · 1790 · jeton

TokenRareF · Fine

€1.45estimate in F

N110538 Hawkins38

JSReference number JSJS-MUA2K

Token

This is not an official coin issued by the British Royal Mint, but an imitation made in base metal.

The coin's story

This token is a private counter, struck by C.W. Bagnall & Co. in Birmingham, probably in the nineteenth century, for use as a substitute for money in games or as an advertising piece or souvenir. It imitates the famous “Spade Guinea” of George III, dated 1790. Its value is purely historical and not linked to the value of gold.

ObverseThe King's Portrait

GEORGIVS III DEI GRATIA

Design: Imitation of the laureate portrait of King George III facing right (5th effigy).
Legend: GEORGIVS III DEI GRATIA (George III, by the grace of God).

ReverseThe Spade Shield

C.W.B.ET.CO.DG. I.REX F.D.B.I.R.M ·1790·

Design: Imitation of the crowned spade-shaped shield (Spade Shield), the royal titles partly replaced by the maker's initials.
Legend: C.W.B.ET.CO.DG. I.REX F.D.B.I.R.M ·1790· (Charles William Bagnall & Co., Birmingham, mixing advertising and royal titles).