English Coin Weight

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Date:1772

Description:

English brass half guinea coin weight, 1772

Diameter 18mm

The obverse features the inscription 'GEO III/ SD/ 10:5' and the reverse features the inscription 'Dwt.Gr/ 2.16/ 1772'. The value of coins was judged by their weight because the weight of a coin showed how much precious metal it contained and therefore how much it was worth. Guineas were made using gold. By the reign of George III they had been in circulation for a hundred years and weight varied considerably. George III issued a Proclamation in 1774 to address this problem. This resulted in a four-tier valuation with coins at four different weights. This particular weight is for half guineas minted since 31st December 1771, worth 10 shillings and five pence. The obverse side features 'Geo III' for George III, 'SD' for shillings (S) and pence (D), and the numbers '10' for ten shillings and '5' for five pence. The weight is in 'pennyweights' (dwt) and 'grains' (gr) and this weight measures 2dwt16gr.

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Donor ref:LEAMG : M4272.1994.34 (66/17119)

Source: Leamington Spa Art Gallery and Museum

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