What it would buy in today's money
Because prices have risen so much, a guinea bought far more in the past than its decimal value suggests:
| Year | A guinea in 2025 prices |
|---|---|
| 1850 | £198.57 |
| 1900 | £181.31 |
| 1938 | £99.29 |
| 1950 | £50.55 |
| 1960 | £33.97 |
| 1970 | £22.82 |
About the guinea
The guinea was a gold coin first struck in 1663, named after the Guinea coast of West Africa where much of its gold came from. Its value was fixed at 21 shillings in 1717. Long after the coin stopped being made, prices for posh goods and professional fees were still quoted in guineas, and racehorses are still sold in guineas today.
When it went: Last struck in 1814, but used for prices long after.
Quick facts
| Value | £1 1s (21s) |
| Decimal equivalent | £1.05 |
| Nickname | – |
| Per pound | worth more than £1 |
Today's values use the ONS composite price index (Open Government Licence v3.0).
Common questions
How much was a guinea worth in decimal money?
A guinea was worth £1 1s (21s), which is £1.05 in decimal money.
How many guineas were in a pound?
A guinea was worth more than £1.
What would a guinea from 1950 be worth today?
About £50.55 in 2025 prices, based on ONS price data.
Other old coins
Farthing · Halfpenny · Penny · Threepenny bit · Sixpence · Shilling · Florin · Half crown · Crown · Ten-shilling note · Sovereign