1/10 oz St. Helena Spade Guinea Shield Silver Coin (Year Varies)

The 1/10 oz St. Helena Spade Guinea Shield Silver Coin captures a remarkable chapter in British monetary history that spans centuries. This exquisite silver piece draws its inspiration from the original Guinea gold coin first introduced in England in 1663 during the restoration of the monarchy under King Charles II. The Guinea quickly established itself as a standard of excellence, becoming renowned throughout the world for its exceptional purity and reliability.

The specific design featured on this modern silver bullion coin pays homage to the historic Spade Guinea that debuted in 1787 during the reign of King George III. The name "Guinea" itself carries a fascinating historical footnote – it was derived from the coastal region of Guinea in West Africa, where the British Empire sourced the gold used to strike these coins. This connection between the coin and its geographical origin reflects the expanding colonial reach and trading power of Britain during this pivotal era.

What makes the Spade Guinea particularly significant in numismatic history is its distinctive shield design. The spade-shaped shield on the reverse became an iconic symbol of British sovereignty and economic might during a period when the empire was approaching the zenith of its global influence. The shield's quartered design incorporated the heraldic elements of the nations comprising the United Kingdom, creating a visual representation of the unified British state under Hanoverian rule.

The modern revival of this historic design through the St. Helena Silver Spade Guinea Shield series represents a bridge between numismatic heritage and contemporary bullion investment. Launched in 2018 through a partnership between the East India Company and the Issuing Authority of St. Helena, these coins have quickly garnered appreciation from collectors who value both historical significance and precious metal content.

For the numismatist, each miniature 1/10 oz coin offers an accessible entry point to own a piece that connects to the broader narrative of British imperial history, international trade networks, and the evolution of currency design. The Spade Guinea's legacy as a trusted medium of exchange during its circulation period (1787-1814) is now preserved in this modern silver interpretation, allowing collectors to hold a tangible connection to this important numismatic tradition.

Design Features

The obverse of the St. Helena Silver Spade Guinea Shield Coin features Raphael Maklouf's 1985 effigy of Queen Elizabeth II, presented with regal dignity wearing the George IV State Diadem. This portrait, though sometimes controversial when first introduced for portraying Her Majesty in a more idealized manner than her actual appearance at the time, was defended by its creator as a timeless depiction emphasizing the monarchy's ceremonial dignity rather than strict photorealism. The obverse inscriptions include "ST. HELENA," "QUEEN ELIZABETH II," the year of issue, and "EAST INDIA COMPANY," establishing the coin's provenance and authority.

The reverse design faithfully reproduces the historic "Guinea Spade" motif from 1787, showcasing the Royal Arms of the United Kingdom as they appeared during King George III's reign. This quartered, spade-shaped shield contains rich heraldic symbolism: the first quadrant displays both the Three Lions of England and the Lion of Scotland, the second quadrant features the French fleur-de-lis (reflecting historical claims to the French throne), the third quadrant shows the Harp of Ireland, and the fourth contains the coat of arms of the House of Hanover. This intricate design is complemented by the inscriptions "1/10 OUNCE," "GUINEA," and ".999 SILVER," confirming both its weight and purity.

Product Highlights

• Metal Type: SILVER – Hedge
• Weight: 0.1 oz
• Grade: BU – Brilliant Uncirculated
• Manufacturer: East India Company
• IRA Eligible: Yes
• Obverse: Portrait of Queen Elizabeth II wearing the George IV State Diadem, created by Raphael Maklouf.
• Reverse: Historic spade-shaped shield featuring the quartered Royal Arms of the United Kingdom during King George III's reign.

Investment Appeal

The 1/10 oz St. Helena Spade Guinea Shield Silver Coin offers collectors and investors a unique combination of historical significance and precious metal investment in a conveniently sized format. Its fractional weight makes it an accessible option for those seeking to gradually build their precious metals portfolio without committing to larger denominations. The coin's .999 silver content provides intrinsic value as a hedge against inflation and currency fluctuations, while its association with the prestigious East India Company adds institutional credibility.

Beyond its precious metal content, this coin derives additional premium value from its connection to British numismatic heritage. The revival of the iconic Spade Guinea design bridges centuries of monetary history, appealing to both history enthusiasts and serious collectors. For investors concerned with liquidity, these coins benefit from the worldwide recognition of both the East India Company brand and the classic British design elements, potentially enhancing their marketability compared to generic silver products.

The St. Helena Silver Spade Guinea Shield series has established itself as more than just another bullion offering – it represents an investment in tangible history. Each coin serves as both a store of value and a conversation piece, combining the security of precious metal with the enduring appeal of classic British coinage design. Whether acquired as part of a diversified investment strategy or as the foundation of a specialized collection, these coins offer substance, beauty, and historical resonance in a compact, affordable format.