Coins issued in 1763

The influence of religion on coinage in England

Since the beginning of the XVI century, the role of the monarch in religious Affairs has increased; king Henry VIII of England is the Supreme head of the Church, independent of the Pope. This affects the design of coins in the manufacture. In legends there are religious motives: quotes from the Bible, inscriptions which deify the power are printed and urge to protect it. The monarch becomes a participant of Church holidays and for this purpose special sets of banknotes are issued. Coins are consistently minted from 925 sterling silver.
In 1763, reprinted charitable set called the coins "beggar's Thursday." It includes:
- 1 penny, weight 0,5017 g;
- 2 pence, weight 1, 003 g;
- 3 pence, weight 1.505 g;
- 4 pence, weighing 2,0067 g.
Coins Maundy set, or charitable, according to legend, got its name from the word: commandment. According to the Bible, before his death, Christ turned to his disciples with the last commandment: love of neighbor. The Latin name of the word "commandment" gave the name to charitable coins.
The Royal mint of London minted in 1763 sets of silver coins, which are issued like banknotes of standard editions. This year, for circulation, only 4 pence coins are minted, other small silver money 1 penny, 2, and 3 pence – only for charitable purposes.
On the obverse of the coin 1 penny printed image of the head of king George III, at a young age. In the circular inscription – the name of the ruler. On the reverse indicates the denomination, the Roman numeral top crown which divides the date. The legend contains an inscription about the king of great Britain, Ireland, France, who is the defender of the faith.
The design of the coin, the value of 2, 3 and 4 pence, is characterized in that the denomination on the reverse is minted in Arabic numerals.
The tradition of giving money and coinage of charitable coins has a long history, which changes over time. The Maundi set Coins, which are issued in different years, make it possible to trace the history of the state, the attitude of rulers to religion, and the relationship with Christianity.