British George III Spade Guinea Token or Gaming Counter

Great Britain · 1791

A brass token imitating the famous British 'Spade Guinea' of George III, featuring the laureate head of the king on the obverse and a crowned spade-shaped shield with the date 1791 on the reverse. Includes a hole at the top for suspension.

Country: Great Britain
Year: 1791
Denomination: Gaming Counter / Token (imitating a 1 Guinea gold coin)
Metal: Brass or Gilt Copper-Nickel Alloy
Grade: Fine (worn details from circulation/use as a counter, plus a suspension hole)

This report is AI-generated and can be wrong. Always verify grade, authenticity, and value with a qualified dealer or certified grading service before buying, selling, or insuring.

Identified August 17, 2026More great britain coins →

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Overview

Historical significance

During the reign of George III, gold Guineas were heavily used. Because genuine gold coins were scarce or hoarded, brass tokens and gaming counters (often called 'Nuremberg style' or local British substitution counters) were widely produced for card games, counters, or to simply mimic the prestige of genuine gold currency.

Obverse (front)

Laureate head of King George III facing right, surrounded by the legend 'GEORGIUS III DEI GRATIA' with a hole pierced near the top edge.

Reverse (back)

Crowned spade-shaped royal coat of arms with the date '1791' at the bottom, surrounded by abbreviated Latin titles 'BRT:REX.F:D:ARI:SR:I:A:ET:E:D:B:M:F:V:R:S' and a hole at the top.

Estimated value

$10-$30 (low value due to being a token/counter rather than actual gold, and having a suspension hole)

What drives this coin's value

Condition, presence of original gilding, historical interest as period gaming pieces, and the impact of the suspension hole which reduces numismatic value.

Grade assessment

Fine (worn details from circulation/use as a counter, plus a suspension hole)

Mintage & rarity

Common historical token type

Authenticity & counterfeit red flags

Check the metal composition (brass/gilt instead of gold), weight, and lack of fine mint details. These are contemporary period tokens, not modern counterfeits meant to defraud, but they should not be mistaken for actual gold guineas.

Notable varieties & errors

Various die sinkers produced these unofficial counters with slight variations in the legend blundering and shield details.

Similar coins

Genuine 1791 British Gold Guinea (which is actual 22k gold and significantly heavier/thicker), and various 18th-century regal gaming counters.

Care & preservation

Store in a cool, dry environment in an inert holder. Avoid harsh chemical cleaners or abrasive polishing to preserve the remaining brass luster and antique patina.