Post-Medieval — 1688; 17th century
Guinea coin; Five Guinea
Guineas were first introduced during the reign of Charles II. They were named after Guinea on the West African coast where gold for Britain's coinage was mined. Gold was imported to England by the Royal African Company. Some strikes of this coin are embossed with an elephant and castle which indicates the African origin of the gold.
This gold five guinea coin was minted in the year of the Glorious Revolution which removed James II from power. On the obverse is a laureate bust of the king. On the reverse are four crowned shields, representing the kingdoms of England, Scotland, France and Ireland, separated by scepters.
- Category:
- Post-Medieval
- Object ID:
- Z6349
- Object name:
- Guinea coin; Five Guinea
- Artist/Maker:
- James II
- Related people:
- Related events:
- Related places:
Royal Mint, City of London, London [Tower Hamlets], Tower Hamlets, City of London
- Production date:
- 1688; 17th century
- Material:
gold
- Measurements/duration:
- DM 37 mm, D 2 mm (overall)
- Part of:
- —
- On display:
- —
- Record quality:
- 100%
- Part of this object:
- —
- Owner Status & Credit:
Permanent collection
- Copyright holder:
digital image © London Museum
- Image credit:
- —
- Creative commons usage:
- —
- License this image:
To license this image for commercial use, please contact the London Museum Picture Library.