Maundy money, a centuries-old tradition, involves the monarch giving specially minted coins to elderly people in a ceremony inspired by Jesus Christ’s commandment of love and service. This blog delves into the rich history of Maundy money, tracing its origins back to the reign of Charles II, and explores its enduring significance in today’s Royal Maundy ceremony. Discover how King Charles III continued this noble tradition in 2024, the special tribute gold Maundy set designed for his coronation year, and the heartfelt message from the King himself.
Read more to uncover the fascinating details of this cherished royal custom.
Table of Contents
King Charles’s Absence in 2024
In 2024, King Charles was unable to attend the ceremony. However, he recorded a message which was played at the service, in which he read from the Gospel according to John (John 13:1–15) and thanked the Maundy Money recipients for their service. The King stated, “The 150 men and women who have been chosen today to receive the Maundy Money from my wife are wonderful examples of such kindness; of going way beyond the call of duty and of giving so much of their lives to the service of others in their communities.” The Queen distributed the Maundy Money on behalf of The King during this year’s event, which was held at Worcester Cathedral.
A Tradition of Service and Symbolism
The Maundy Service happens each year on the Thursday before Easter Sunday. The King’s first Maundy Service as Monarch took place at York Minster in 2023. Early in her reign, Queen Elizabeth II decided Maundy money should not just be distributed to the people of London. Thus, she began traveling to various cathedrals or abbeys to give gifts to local people. She visited every cathedral in the country over the course of her reign, a tradition which has been continued in the current King’s reign.
During the service, The Sovereign distributes gifts according to the number of years they have lived. For example, in 2023, The King presented 74 men and 74 women (signifying his age that year) with Maundy Money to thank them for their outstanding Christian service and for making a difference in their local communities. The service dates back to 600 AD, and these special coins have kept much the same form since 1670. They still bear the portrait of Her Majesty designed for her coronation in 1953, even though the image on ordinary circulating coinage has since been changed four times.
The Significance of the Maundy Coins
Each recipient of Maundy money is given two small leather purses by The King: one red and one white. The first contains a small amount of ordinary coinage, symbolizing the Sovereign’s gift for food and clothing. The second purse contains Maundy coins up to the value of the Sovereign’s age. Although these coins are legal tender, recipients normally prefer to retain them as keepsakes.
The Origins and Evolution of Maundy Money
The first Maundy money ceremony took place in the reign of Charles II, when the king gave people undated hammered coins in 1662. The coins were four penny, three penny, two penny, and one penny pieces. By 1670, the king started giving out a dated set of all four coins. The tradition of the king or queen washing the feet of the poor faded out in the eighteenth century, but the monarch still gave people food and clothing. By the nineteenth century, the tradition had changed again, and the monarch simply gave people the Maundy money.
Maundy Money Today
Maundy money has traditionally been made of sterling silver, apart from the brief interruptions of Henry VIII’s debasement of the coinage and the general change to 50% silver coins in 1920. The use of sterling silver resumed following the Coinage Act of 1971 and after decimalization in 1971, the face values of the coins were increased from old to new pence.
During Her Late Majesty The Queen’s reign, her portrait on ordinary circulating coinage was updated four times. However, Maundy money still bears the same portrait of Her Majesty created by Mary Gillick that appeared on the first coins of her reign in 1953. Today’s recipients of Royal Maundy are elderly men and women, chosen because of the Christian service they have given to the Church and the community. The ceremony takes place every Maundy Thursday, and there are as many recipients as there are years in the sovereign’s age.
At the ceremony, the monarch hands each recipient two small leather string purses. A red purse contains ordinary coins, while a white one contains silver Maundy coins, amounting to the same number of pence as the years of the sovereign’s age.
A Tribute in Gold for King Charles III’s Coronation Year
In a fitting tribute to King Charles III’s coronation year, a special gold Maundy set was designed to commemorate this historic occasion. This exquisite set, available through Hattons of London, features four coins—four penny, three penny, two penny, and one penny pieces—all meticulously crafted in 22-carat gold. Each coin in this set bears the effigy of King Charles III, showcasing a blend of traditional design and modern craftsmanship that pays homage to the rich heritage of Maundy money.
The 2023 King Charles III Gold Maundy Set is not only a celebration of the new reign but also a limited edition piece that holds significant value for collectors and enthusiasts. With a limited number of sets available, each collection is uniquely numbered, ensuring its exclusivity. The gold coins are a testament to the meticulous craftsmanship that goes into creating Maundy money, symbolizing the continuity and tradition that have been upheld through the centuries. The set serves as a tangible connection to the past, honouring the legacy of the Maundy ceremony while marking the dawn of a new era.
Presented in a luxurious case, the gold Maundy set comes with a certificate of authenticity, further enhancing its appeal to collectors. The intricate details and superior quality of the coins make this set a prized possession for anyone interested in royal memorabilia or numismatics. As a tribute to King Charles III’s coronation, this gold Maundy set is a remarkable keepsake that celebrates both the historical significance and the ongoing tradition of the Royal Maundy ceremony. Secure your tribute Maundy Set here.
Conclusion
King Charles Maundy Money 2024 continues a centuries-old tradition of royal charity and service. Despite the King’s absence, the ceremony remained a poignant reminder of the enduring values of love, service, and community embodied by the Maundy Money tradition. As we look forward to future ceremonies, the legacy of Maundy Money continues to inspire and uphold the spirit of giving and compassion.
Looking for a Queen Elizabeth tribute? Look no further than our Royal Maundy of Queen Elizabeth II Silver Tribute Set, including a commemorative sterling silver five pound coin and an original set of four British Maundy coins.