When did the Guinea cease to be legal tender in the UK

[ljg1997]

Thanks in advance

[RATTER15]

I didnt actually find the answer you requested but I found this, how interesting!! http://www.web40571.c...ecimal/predecimal.htm

[Huderon]

If this Wiki entry is correct, 1816. See http://en.wikipedia.o...ea_%28British_coin%29

[vivandorron]

Interesting......I never realised that there ever was a Guinea coin. I always thought it was only a monetary amount of 21 shillings.

One learns a lot on AB.

Ron

[ChuckFickens]

It may have been withdrawn in 1816 but I've got a feeling it remained legal tender until decimalisationin 1971.

[vivandorron]

Chuck...You could well be right. I think the same applied to a Sovereign.

However, because the guinea and sovereign were both made of gold, they would have been worth more for their 'scrap' metal content than to spend as cash.

Ron.

[ChuckFickens]

Sovereigns are still legal tender in the UK, although as you say the face value is far less than the true value of them in gold.

[ChuckFickens]

Although I've just found the following...

"In 1891 a proclamation was made that members of the general public could hand in any gold coins that were underweight and have them replaced by full-weight coins. Any gold coin struck before 1837 also ceased to be legal tender."

so it would seem that Guinea may have ceased to be legal tender in 1891 as they were made from gold and struck before 1837.

[razza]

Horse racing still quotes in guineas

[Jemisa]

When my grandfather died he left a golden guinea and a golden soverein to each of his g/children. (4) in 1944. we've still got them & they will be passed on to our g/children. (have no idea what they're worth today)

jem

[MarkRae]

^^ http://www.coins-of-t...co.uk/values/sov.html

[vivandorron]

I wish I could buy a Guinea Fowl for 21 shillings (£1.05.) :-)

Ron.

[Jemisa]

mmmm!! thanks Mark.

& Thankyou very much grandad. Ours are Victorian 1890.

jem