How Much Is a Guinea Worth Today?
A guinea was worth 21 shillings — one pound and one shilling, or £1.05 in today's money.
Uniquely among old money, the guinea lives on: it's still used as a unit at horse-racing sales and some auctions.
At a glance
- Old value
- 21 shillings (£1 1s)
- In today's money
- £1.05
- Still used
- Racing & auction sales
- Gold coin
- Worth far more
How much is a guinea worth today?
A guinea was worth 21 shillings — one pound and one shilling, or £1.05 in today's money. Unusually, the guinea is still alive as a unit: racehorses and some auction lots are still priced in guineas.
Its purchasing power was far greater than that figure buys now, because prices have risen enormously through inflation since it was in circulation. You can see how much any old amount is worth in today's money with our inflation calculator.
What was a guinea?
The guinea was a gold coin first struck in 1663, named after the Guinea coast of West Africa where much of the gold came from. Its value drifted with the gold price before being fixed at 21 shillings in 1717. The coin was last minted in 1814, but 'the guinea' survived as a unit of account — the currency of professional fees, luxury goods and racehorses.
A guinea in today's money
Twenty-one shillings converts to £1.05. So when prices are quoted in guineas — as they still are at bloodstock sales like Tattersalls — each guinea means £1.05. A price of '1,000 guineas' is £1,050.
For context, the old system ran on pounds, shillings and pence (£sd): £1 was 20 shillings, and each shilling was 12 pence. See how much a shilling is worth today for the coin at the heart of it.
Are old guineas worth anything to collectors?
Actual gold guinea coins are a different matter — they contain gold and are valuable as bullion and as collectors' pieces, typically worth hundreds to thousands of pounds depending on date, monarch and condition. The 1813 'Military Guinea' is especially prized.
If old coins interest you, our guide to what makes coins valuable is a good next read.
Frequently asked questions
Why are racehorses still sold in guineas?
Tradition. A guinea (£1.05) was historically the currency of gentlemanly transactions, and bloodstock auctioneers kept it — the extra 5% neatly covered the auctioneer's commission.
How much is a guinea in pounds?
One guinea is 21 shillings, which is £1.05 in decimal money. A gold guinea coin, though, is worth far more for its gold content.
Other old coins: Shilling · Crown · Half crown · Florin · Sixpence · Threepence · Farthing
Coin values are a general guide only. Collector values vary widely by date, condition and metal — for a valuable coin, get it assessed by a reputable dealer or auction house.
