Initially, the bending of coins in Britain had religious connotations. From the early 14th century, English people customarily bent coins while making vows to saints, especially in times of crisis, such as the illness of a loved one. This act served both as a promise for a pilgrimage and as a way to remove the coin from general circulation, symbolizing a personal sacrifice. After the Protestant Reformation, the practice of coin bending shifted from a religious to a more secular and romantic gesture. From the Elizabethan period through the 18th century, bent coins were often used as love tokens, sometimes even replacing wedding rings in marriage rituals. The bending of the coin symbolized its dedication for a special purpose, differentiating it from ordinary currency.
In terms of the coins themselves, the silver sixpence was a particularly common choice. Its selection was influenced by several factors, including the metal’s perceived protective properties, its design featuring a cross and a monarch’s image, and the number six being a multiple of three, which held significance in various religious and magical contexts. This coin was integral to a variety of rituals, ranging from warding off evil to celebrating love and marriage.
By the 19th century, the practice of creating love tokens evolved further. Convicted Britons, before being transported to Australia, would craft smoothed coins engraved with affectionate messages for their loved ones. These tokens, known as ‘leaden hearts’, were a way for convicts to leave behind a memento of affection. Some convicts would pay skilled metalworkers among their fellow prisoners to create these intricate engravings. The engravings often included names, dates, and sentimental messages, making them highly personal and cherished items.
In terms of identification and types of coins used, the British Museum’s collection offers insights into the range of coins adapted into personal tokens of memory. These included low-value coins from the 18th and 19th centuries, which were engraved with various designs and inscriptions, reflecting a wide range of sentiments beyond just romantic love. Births, betrothals, and even poignant events like leaving home for service or apprenticeship were commemorated through these engraved tokens. In some cases, these tokens also served as important documentation, like those left at the Foundling Hospital in London as part of admissions documentation for abandoned infants.
Identifying these coins and tokens involves looking for alterations like smoothing, engraving, piercing, and bending. The inscriptions and designs provide clues to their origins and the personal stories behind them. For instance, a bent coin discovered on farmland, where fairs were often held, suggests it might have been a love token, a good luck charm, or a sign of a rejected suitor’s affections (Finds.org.uk).
Overall, these bent and engraved coins offer a fascinating glimpse into the personal lives and emotional expressions of people in Britain’s past, from everyday citizens to those facing life-changing events like transportation to Australia.
In the tapestry of British romantic traditions, the use of bent coin love tokens presents a fascinating parallel to another enduring symbol of affection – the Welsh love spoon. Just as these meticulously bent and engraved coins served as tangible expressions of love and commitment, the Welsh love spoon, with its intricate carvings and symbolic motifs, has been a treasured emblem of romance and intention in Wales. Both these practices share a common thread of transforming everyday objects into extraordinary symbols of affection. The artistry and personal touches in each bent coin and carved spoon weave stories of love, hope, and devotion, reflecting a deep cultural appreciation for bespoke, heartfelt gifts. To delve deeper into this captivating history and explore the rich heritage of the Welsh love spoon, visit our detailed article on antiquesarena.com. There, you’ll find an in-depth exploration of this unique tradition, offering insights into how such customs have charmingly encapsulated sentiments of love across time and cultures.
