© Spink and Son
© Spink and Son
½ Guinea - George III 3rd portrait
| Gold (.9167) | 4.2 g | 21 mm |
| Issuer | United Kingdom (United Kingdom, British Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies) |
|---|---|
| King | George III (1760-1820) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 1774-1775 |
| Value | ½ Guinea (21⁄40) |
| Currency | Pound sterling (1158-1970) |
| Composition | Gold (.9167) |
| Weight | 4.2 g |
| Diameter | 21 mm |
| Shape | Round |
| Technique | Milled |
| Orientation | Coin alignment ↑↓ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-08 |
| Numista | N#169920 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 95% |
Reverse
Crowned quartered shield showing the arms of England & Scotland, France, Ireland and Hanover, divided date above, legend around.
Script: Latin
Lettering: M·B·F·ET·H·REX·F·D·B·ET·L·D·S·R·I·A·T·ET·E·17 75·
Translation: King of Great Britain France and Ireland Defender of the Faith Duke of Brunswick and Lüneburg Arch-Treasurer and Elector of the Holy Roman Empire
Edge
Reeded
Comment
The half guinea was struck at 89 to the pound troy, giving a standard weight of 12/89 troy ounce (64.7 grains).Interesting fact
One interesting fact about the ½ Guinea - George III (3rd portrait) coin is that it was minted during a time of economic crisis in the United Kingdom. The coin was introduced in 1774 as a replacement for the earlier guinea coin, which had been devalued due to the increasing cost of gold. The ½ Guinea coin was intended to be a more affordable alternative for everyday transactions, and it remained in circulation until 1814. Despite its lower value, the coin was still made of gold (.9167) and weighed 4.2 grams, making it a valuable and sought-after collector's item today.
