Sharpe, taken by surprise, just managed to snatch the guinea coin out of the air.

The Shapira Scrolls disappeared and then reappeared a couple of years later in a Sotheby's auction, where they were sold for 10 guinea coins.

Although guinea coins had not been made for a long time, prices often continued to be shown in guineas until British prices became decimal in 1971.

George I's guinea coins were struck in all years between 1714 and 1727, with the elephant and castle sometimes appearing in 1721, 1722, and 1726.

The goods were recognised by Mr Shetley, the only item missing being a guinea coin which she had used to pay for the coach.

The five guinea coin of this reign was probably the work of James and/or Norbert Roettier.

The guinea was introduced in 1663, soon followed by the , 2 and 5 guinea coins.

Sometimes prices of luxury goods and furniture were expressed by merchants in guineas, even though the guinea coin had not been struck since 1799.

Last striking of guinea coins, to pay Wellington's army in the Pyrenees.

The name comes from the image of Saint George, the patron saint of England, on the British golden guinea coin.