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The Surprising Reason We Give Coins on Easter

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Easter is full of strange traditions. From egg-laying bunnies, to the ever-changing date, many Easter traditions are a bit puzzling. So year after year, chocolate coins and real coins are stashed in Easter eggs and little thought is given as to why this is. And like many traditions, finding out exactly where it came from can be a bit difficult. But there’s one ancient Easter tradition that may explain why coins and Easter remain linked.

In England as early as the 13th century, royal families participated in giving food, clothes, and of course coins to the poor on the Thursday before Easter Sunday. In addition to the gifts, the royals would also wash the feet of the poor. This tradition is still known as Royal Maundy. Throughout the centuries Royal Maundy’s traditions evolved. Pretty soon the ritual included its very own coins.

During the reign of Charles II, beginning in 1662, Royal Maundy began to include coins minted specifically for the occasion. These coins came to be known as Maundy Money. During the 18th and 19th centuries, the Royal Maundy continued to evolve. First, in the 18th century, they stopped washing the feet of the poor. In the next century they gave a set money allowance for the poor, in lieu of clothing and food.

Throughout all the centuries, distinctive Maundy Money continues to be produced by the Royal Mint. Since 1670, Maundy Money has been minted in four denominations. Sterling silver Maundy Money comes in one, two, three, and four-cent coins.

Like so many traditions, the tradition of Maundy Money seems to have hopped the pond and evolved. In the U.S., our Easter coin traditions are a bit less serious, and a bit sweeter. Instead of giving special coins to the poor, we fill our kid’s Easter eggs with chocolate coins, and sometimes even real ones. It’s fascinating to see how coins remain a part of our traditions, despite so many other changes.

Like this blog? Read For Success in the New Year Ring it in with Coins.

Bellevue Rare Coins specializes in gold buying and dealing in rare coins. We are a family-owned business located in Bellevue and Lynnwood. We are also silver, diamonds, currency and jewelry buyers. Visit us for a free evaluation.

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  • Bellevue

    Bellevue

    321 Bellevue Way NE
    Bellevue, WA 98004
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    Phone: 425-454-1283
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    Issaquah, WA 98027
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    Tacoma, WA 98402
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    Phone: 253-328-4014