Maundy Thursday is the day before Good Friday and it’s one of the most important days of the year for Christians. The day of Holy Week is dedicated to the Washing of the Feet, and the Last Supper.
The Church of England has a special ceremony that is associated with Holy Thursday. It’s quite interesting for numismatists. For Coin Valuers UK, visit GM Coins
As we now experience Charles III’s Royal Maundy, let’s look at the long-standing British tradition of Royal Maundy and the fascinating coins that collectors of UK currency are seeking.
What is Maundy Thursday?
The word “maundy” is derived in Latin from mandatum, which means ‘commandment.’ Jesus’ humble act of washing His disciples’ feet during the Last Supper is the act that most associates Maundy Thursday. In doing so, Jesus demonstrated compassion and told His followers to treat one another as equals and love each other.
“A new commandment, I give you: That you love one another, as I have loved each of you” John XII: 34
The first part of this verse is still quoted at every Royal Maundy Service.
In the past, British monarchs continued the tradition of foot-washing associated with Maundy Thursday, but over the last few centuries they have stuck to showing their generosity by distributing coins.
Purses containing Maundy Money were distributed at a Royal Maundy Service in 1867.
Maundy Money refers to the silver coins that are issued by British monarchs during the Royal Maundy Ceremony on Maundy Thursday.
In the past, coin alms were given along with food and clothing. Tudor times was a time when the distribution of coins equal to a monarch’s age had become a well-established practice. In 1556 Mary I distributed forty-one pennies to forty-one women. Elizabeth I’s religious beliefs differed from those of her sister. However, she carried on the tradition by offering standard circulation coins like silver pennies.
The Stuart kings were known to give out Maundy Money themselves in order to curry favour. Charles II issued the first Maundy Money that was distinct from regular coinage. The remaining sets include 1p, 2p, 3p and 4p undated coins.
The reverse design of Maundy Money coinage was designed in the late 17th century with a crowned numeral. In 1822, engraver Jean Baptiste Merlen updated the design by adding a wreath made of oak leaves to the denomination. The design is still in use today and paired with the portrait of the current monarch.