Guinea Público Deposited
A gold coin of England orignally of the value of twenty shillings, and made current by a proclamation of March 27, 1663. It received its name from the gold of which it was made, and which was brought from Guinea by the "Company of Royal Adventurers of England trading into Africa." As an encouragement to bring over gold to be coined, they were permitted by their charter to have their stamp on the coins. This device was originally an elephant, and after 1675 an elephant with a castle on its back; the stamp was discontinued in the reign of Queen Anne.
Rottier made the dies, and the original issue consisted of five and two Guinea pieces, both of which were discontinued in 1753, and Guineas and half Guineas discontinued in 1813. The Guinea of the latter date is sometimes known as the Military Guinea, as it was struck for the use of the troops then embarking for France.
Quarter Guineas were issued only with the dates 1718 and 1762, and one third Guineas, or seven shilling pieces appeared from 1797 to 1813 inclusive.
In the reign of William III, the Guinea was at first current for 1 pound 8s., but was reduced to 1 pound 6s., then to 1 pound 2s., and finally in 1698 to 1 pound 1s. 6d., at which rate they were received by the officers of the revenue. On December 22, 1717, the Guinea was reduced to 21s., which value it retained until abolished. See Spade Guinea.
- Frey's Dictionary (American Journal of Numismatics, Vol. 50, 1916)