{"product_id":"antique-victorian-advertising-spade-guinea-jeton-token-1","title":"Antique Victorian Advertising Spade Guinea Jeton Token","description":"\u003ch1\u003eAntique Victorian Advertising 'Spade Guinea' Jeton Token\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen I first found this Antique Victorian Advertising Spade Guinea Jeton Token in my jewellery box I thought this looked like a real George III 1790 Gold Guinea. On closer inspection I realised that it wasn’t fine enough to be the real thing, which is made of gold and worth over £1000!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAfter some research, I found that these tokens were called ‘Spade Gunieas’ and made of brass or bronze. They were reproduced in the 19th Century as a counter for use in a card or board game.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe tokens tended to bear the makers name and name of the manufacturer, and sometimes an advertising logo. To ensure that they didn’t break the Victorian counterfeit laws, the token had a bust of King George III on the obverse and the spade shield on the reverse.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe guineas range between 24-27mm diameter and the half guineas 20-22mm. This particular token has an approximate diameter of 25mm.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is inscribed on the obverse with: –\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGeorgivs III Dei Gratia\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eand on the reverse with:-\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1790 B.BROS.REX.F.D.CLXX.HOCKLEY.BIRM\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis indicates that the token was made by the Bancroft Bros. of 170 Hockley Hill, Birmingham.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is in reasonable vintage condition and would make a nice starter piece for a coin collection. There is a mark on the obverse, which I haven’t tried to polish out.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlease click on the following links for more \u003ca rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/mullardantiques.co.uk\/collections\/coins-tokens-medals-and-badges\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ecoins, tokens, medals and badges\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/mullardantiques.co.uk\/collections\/vintage-games\" target=\"_blank\"\u003evintage games\/accessories.\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Bancroft Brothers, Birmingham","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":34853793988757,"sku":"","price":15.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0303\/5122\/8972\/products\/Antique_Victorian_Advertising_Spade_Guinea_Jeton_Token.jpg?v=1737042223","url":"https:\/\/mullardantiques.co.uk\/en-us\/products\/antique-victorian-advertising-spade-guinea-jeton-token-1","provider":"Mullard Antiques and Collectibles","version":"1.0","type":"link"}