Although there is no coin in circulation currently, the Guinea is not quite as dead as you infer. The current value of the guinea is GBP 1.05 The Guinea still lives on in prizes and purses, particularly in horse racing and prize fights. In 2010 at the Newmarket English Classics, Special Duty riden by Stéphane Pasquier won the 1,000 Guinea horse race, and Makfi riden by C.-P. Lemaire won the 2,000 Guinea horse race.
I assume that you’re referring to this old column: In Britain, what’s the difference between a pound and a guinea? - The Straight Dope
When you start a thread commenting on one of Cecil’s columns, it’s helpful to other readers if you provide a link (saves search time and helps keep us all on the same page.) No biggie, you’ll know for next time. Actually, I see that there’s another thread on that old column, here: In Britain, what's the difference between a pound and a guinea? - Cecil's Columns/Staff Reports - Straight Dope Message Board Consequently, I’m closing this one. Anyone desiring to comment should go to that other thread.
BritinUS, if you’d like me to move your comments into that thread, let me know by email at ckdexthavn@aol.com and I’ll be happy to do so.