Final answer:
The gold coin that equaled 21 shillings in Britain, named after a region of Africa, is the Guinea. Option C is correct.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Guinea, a gold coin synonymous with a region in Africa, held a value of 21 shillings in Britain. Struck in 1686, the English guinea bore the insignia of the Royal African Company—a prominent elephant and castle—nestled beneath the visage of King James II. The coin's nomenclature is rooted in historical context, as the predominant source of British gold during that era hailed from the Guinea region in West Africa.
Adorning the coin, the symbol of the Royal African Company stood as a testament to the interconnectedness of commerce and colonial interests. The elephant and castle emblem underscored the economic ties between Britain and West Africa, encapsulating the trade dynamics of the time. King James II's effigy, positioned atop the emblem, further underscored the regal authority associated with the currency.
The naming of the coin as the Guinea was a reflection of the geographical origin of the gold that fueled Britain's economic engine. The significance of this coin extends beyond mere monetary value; it encapsulates a historical epoch where global trade, colonial ventures, and the flow of precious resources were intertwined in the intricate tapestry of the Guinea region's influence on the British economy.