What is the significance of hammered silver coins that were bent at a 90-deg angle?

[Bill D. (VA)]

Years ago when I found the 2 scattered caches of hammered silver coins here in Virginia, two of them (sixpences) were bent exactly in half at a 90-degree angle. One was a 1565 Lizzie and the other was a 1630s Charles I. There are apparently a number of theories as to why these coins were bent, and I wanted to get some opinions on this. I know that some of these coins that have a double bend to form an "S" shape were considered to be love tokens, but not sure that applies to why mine were bent as they were. I appreciate any help with this .... thanks!

 

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[Jason in Enid]

interesting. I always assumed they were bent as a result of damage from farming or other actions. I'm curious what any of our members from across the pond have to say about it.

 

[Carolina Tom]

The only thing that comes to mind is that they were folded prior to being cut. Like folding a piece of paper, prior to tearing it. I always assumed that the coin would have been scored with a blade, then snapped.

Best wishes sir!

 

[Bill D. (VA)]

The only thing that comes to mind is that they were folded prior to being cut. Like folding a piece of paper, prior to tearing it. I always assumed that the coin would have been scored with a blade, then snapped.

Best wishes sir!

These coins were bent at exactly 90 degrees, and not for cutting them in half as that was not really a practice at that time (primarily done in the next century with pistareens). One rumor I heard was that when a relationship would end, the female would bend a coin like this and then discard it. It may also be a love token, or something else. Cru or others from the UK will probably know what these were made for.

 

[Ima digger]

I found an article on wickapedia titled "touch pieces". About coins used as good or bad luck pieces. Some were meant to heal. Some were modified to be curses. It is an interesting article, it might give you some ideas. They are really neat, sure makes you wonder. Ima

 

[CRUSADER]

I found an article on wickapedia titled "touch pieces". About coins used as good or bad luck pieces. Some were meant to heal. Some were modified to be curses. It is an interesting article, it might give you some ideas. They are really neat, sure makes you wonder. Ima

Yes,that is one theory.That its an old medieval practice to bring good luck.
However, a guy I met who makes exact copies of hammered silver coins demonstrated that it was a safe way of carrying them to market by folding a number of them around a thin leather cord around your neck. They would be hidden & could be unfolded at the other end. Remember they didn't have pockets, so the other method was a purse or leather bag that hung from your waist - very inviting to thieves.

 

[CRUSADER]

Ps. this kind of thing continued in the post medieval period when they put holes in them instead & sewn them into the clothes whilst on long journeys.

 

[Bill D. (VA)]

Yes,that is one theory.That its an old medieval practice to bring good luck.
However, a guy I met who makes exact copies of hammered silver coins demonstrated that it was a safe way of carrying them to market by folding a number of them around a thin leather cord around your neck. They would be hidden & could be unfolded at the other end. Remember they didn't have pockets, so the other method was a purse or leather bag that hung from your waist - very inviting to thieves.

Since these are only partially folded they could not have been used with a leather cord. They were probably used as a good luck charm, love token, or some similar purpose. The exact 90 degree bend has to have some special significance. Like to hear other opinions.Thanks.

 

[taz42o]

Maybe wishing tree coins?

 

[releventchair]

Folks were alleged to put/ re use a silver coin in milk containers for table use.
Maybe a bend was thought to expose more silver than a coin lying flat on the container bottom?

 

[CRUSADER]

Since these are only partially folded they could not have been used with a leather cord. They were probably used as a good luck charm, love token, or some similar purpose. The exact 90 degree bend has to have some special significance. Like to hear other opinions.Thanks.

No, once totally folded & then partially unfolded after transport, to take it off the cord.

 

[Icewing]

Maybe they belonged to one of those David Blane types a long time ago and someone thought he actually damaged their money and that's where he got the silver knocked out of his pockets.

 

[Bill D. (VA)]

No, once totally folded & then partially unfolded after transport, to take it off the cord.

These coins are extremely rigid and it's obvious both have always been in this orientation since they were originally bent. I know what you're saying about bending coins for use with a leather cord, and I'm sure some were used in that manner, but these weren't used for that purpose. So I still feel there's something symbolic about the permanent 90 deg bend. Just not sure what. Appreciate the input.

 

[CRUSADER]

These coins are extremely rigid and it's obvious both have always been in this orientation since they were originally bent. I know what you're saying about bending coins for use with a leather cord, and I'm sure some were used in that manner, but these weren't used for that purpose. So I still feel there's something symbolic about the permanent 90 deg bend. Just not sure what. Appreciate the input.

I used to think that, but they become rigid over time. I've seen newly hammered solid silver coins, bent & then unbent without cracking & with ease. So thats not a consideration.

 

[DeepseekerADS]

I remember all those old pirate type movies where they'd bite a coin to see if it was counterfeit....

Maybe this was a similar test.

 

[creskol]

Might have something to do with the angle of the dangle...

 

[CRUSADER]

I remember all those old pirate type movies where they'd bite a coin to see if it was counterfeit....

Maybe this was a similar test.

Its another theory, because plated fakes would not bend like solid silver.

 

[jude061]

It reminds me of the nursery rhyme: "there was a crooked man..."

This link is interesting:
http://www.johnwinter.net/jw/2014/07/a-reprise-the-crooked-sixpence-love-token/

 

[Bill D. (VA)]

It reminds me of the nursery rhyme: "there was a crooked man..."

This link is interesting:
A Reprise ? The Crooked Sixpence Love Token | johnwinter.net

Love tokens such as the ones shown in your link were usually bent twice to form an "S" shape, but mine only has one such bend. But I guess it could still be considered a love token.

 

[Bruce R]

I think it signifies that somebody had a vise and a hammer ??