Imitation 'Spade' Guineas

There is an extensive series of over 1,000 different Imitation Spade Guineas, issued not in gold but in brass or bronze.  Some are gilt which can make it look like gold and this does cause some confusion.  They were mostly struck in the 1800's, during the reign of Queen Victoria, but to avoid the Counterfeit Laws they, usually, have the bust of King George III on the obverse and, usually, the reverse includes the spade shield, - hence the name "spade guinea".  To qualify as an Imitation Spade Guinea a coin must have one or both of these aspects.

The guineas range between 24-27mm diameter and the half guineas 20-22mm.

Many coins are dated in the 1700's and not in the 1800's, to reinforce that they were not real currency guineas.  Their purpose was as gaming / gambling counters, to look like sovereigns and half sovereigns, to show off the expertise of the engravers and manufacturers, many of whom were named on the piece - mainly from Birmingham, UK - and as advertising tokens for many types of business, as "give away's" and promotional items.

Many were pierced at manufacture for suspension purposes and it is perfectly acceptable to collect coins in that condition.  Whilst some pieces - such as many of the types of "In Memory Of The Good Old Days" are extremely common, some of the advertising pieces are excessively rare and command prices of well over £100.  Each advertising coin is worthy of research as to it's origin and purpose.  For some, there is already well researched documentation but for others it is an interesting task to find out more.

Illustrations:

Useful References and Links:

For any collector of this series the work of reference for the whole series is essential. It is "A Thousand Guineas" by W. Bryce Neilson, published in 2003 and covering 70 pages. Cost £16. Published by Galata Print.   (01691 648765)

David Magnay