Archaeological finds
1/3 Guinea
Common name(s): The Holy Trinity Guinea
Catalogue ID: 729
Description
This solid gold one-third Guinea (7 shillings) 1804 coin is rare. It shows the crown of King George III (reigned 1760-1820). These coins were only made between 1797 and 1813, the time of the Napoleonic Wars in Europe. The writing on the edge reads 'FIDEI DEFENSOR BRITANNIARUM REX'; Defender of the Faith, King of Britain. The title 'Defender of the Faith' dates back to Henry VIII, who received it from the Pope in 1521. No 'full' Guineas were struck during 1800 and 1812 - only half and third Guineas such as this.