Gaming piece, spade half guinea, found at 5 Kingsgate Street, Winchester, Hampshire, one of a type issued during the latter part of the 19th and in the early 20th century.
Imitation 'spade half guinea'
Late 19th century or early 20th century
Found in a garden in Kingsgate Street, Winchester, Hampshire
Real spade guineas and half guineas were struck in gold in the reign of George III between 1787-1800 and came to be so called by reason of the resemblance of the shield on the reverse to a spade. This is an example of one of the many imitations struck in brass mostly during the 19th century in Birmingham for use as counters in games and for advertisement.