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.

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.

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.