2016-10-20 Thu

The Coronation of King George I was held on 20th October 1714 and this Gold Guinea was minted on the same year as a sign of the beginning of his reign.

This gold coin’s obverse side depicts the Bust of George I facing right with continuous legend GEORGIVS D G MAG BR FR ET HIB REX F D which means "George, by the grace of God of Great Britain, France, and Hibernia King, Fidei Defensor" and reverse feature the shield of England, Scotland France, Ireland, and Hanover with continuous legend “BRVN ET LVN DVX S R I A TH ET PR EL 1714” which means “Duke of Brunswick and Lueneburg, Arch-Treasurer and Prince Elector of the Holy Roman Empire", The date in coin is divided by crown. The edge of the coin is milled diagonally.

The Guinea coins which were struck in 1714 were quit fascinating because it declares him the prince Elector of Holy Roman Empire. Throughout his reign, his Guinea coins bear five different portraits. The value of Guinea was fluctuated throughout the years from 20 to 30 shillings and back down to 21 shillings and sixpence in the start of George's reign. But on December 1717 a royal proclamation was declared which fixed the value of the guinea at 21shillings.

George I was the first Hanoverian King and was born in Germany. He started his reign at age of 54 and he was an absolute ruler in Hanover but the political anatomy of England was different which was quite frustrating for the King. Hence, he faced many rebel and opposition from the various sections of his Kingdom like the Jacobites- the supporters of the Catholic James Stuart, who had a strong claim to the throne.

King George I died in 1727 due to a stroke and was succeeded by his son King George II.