The 1718 Quarter Guinea - George IQuarter Guineas were only minted in two years - 1718 and 1762. Due to their small size and yet comparatively high value, they were not very popular at the time.
In 1718 Sir Isaac Newton was Master of the Mint. At that time silver prices were skyrocketing and the silver coins of the time were actually worth more in silver than face value. Thus, silver coins were being melted down for their silver leaving a large shortage of small denomination coins.
You can read more details in our article The Quarter-Guinea and Other Problems.
Newton's response was to make a gold equivalent to the silver crown (5 shillings). A Quarter-Guinea would be worth and 5 shillings and 3 pence.
The new coin followed the same design and proportions of a full guinea, including the verbose legend. Problem was it was just 16mm in diameter and a weight of just over 2.13g. Considering it was probably worth fifty pounds plus in today's values it was a risky coin to have in your pocket and easily lost. The Quarter Guinea wasn't made again for 44 years.
The Reverse shows crowned cruciform coats-of-arms with sceptres in the quarters and a Sun in the centre. Legend around with date at top.
The Obverse shows the laurel head of King George I.Images used by permission of The Royal Mint
Mintage: 37,380 (may include coins in sets)
Minted at The Royal Mint
Minted in 1718. See Coins and Events of 1718
Monarch/Ruler: George I (1714-1727)
Category: Guineas. See more Guinea coins
and see which Guinea coins have the lowest mintage.
Country of Origin: United Kingdom
List items on:
 | George III 1762 Quarter-Guinea, one year only issue from captured treasure £ 965.00 |
 | George III 1789 full Spade Guinea £ 1,358.20 |
 | 1975 PAPUA NEW GUINEA - 10 KINA - BIRD OF PARADISE - 1.3 Oz SILVER PROOF CROWN £ 103.54 |
 | 1785 Gold Half guinea, fourth laureate bust £ 550.00 |
 | 1718 Gold Quarter 1/4 Guinea GEORGE I (1714-27) S3638 £ 499.99 |
 | 1718 Quarter Guinea, George I £ 940.00 |
 | George III 1786 Guinea, 4th bust, rose reverse £ 2,455.00 |
 | George III 1808 Third-Guinea, 3rd type, AU58, 2nd head £ 856.00 |
List items on: