Game Token, 19th century, brass imitation Spade Half Guinea
made by WCB & Co., Birmingham.

Obv: GEORGIVS III DEI GRATIA, laureate head right.
Rev: W.C.B.ET.CO.DG.IT.REX.FD.B.I.R.M. 1790, crowned coat of arms.
(Legend of the genuine coins is 
M.B.F.ET.H.REX.F.D.B.ET.L.D.S.R.I.A.T.ET.E.

Originally minted from 1787 to 1799, the spade guineas and half 
spade guineas were later copied extensively and used as 
advertisement and game tokens etc. The reverse legend of 
this example has the name and town of the makers, "W.C.B. ET CO... 
B.I.R.M. 1790".
Value in good condition is about $20 to collectors.

Holst 63; Imitation of Seaby 3735.

Contributed by Anneli Lindblom, Jan. 2012.