Roma Numismatics Ltd
Islamic, Medieval and World Sale 3 17 Mar 2023
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Great Britain, temp. Plantagenet - Tudor. Suffolk 'Boy Bishop' PB Token. Bury St. Edmunds, circa 15th century. SANCTE NICHOLAE, Bishop's mitre / ORA PRO NOBIS, long cross with three pellets in each angle. 1.58g, 16mm, 12h.
Very Fine. Rare.
From the inventory of a UK dealer.
This token is a remnant of an old tradition held in England during the Middle Ages. From St. Nicholas' day on December 6 to Childermas on December 28, a choir boy from certain churches and abbeys was selected to be a 'boy Bishop' for the period. During this time the child wore bishop's robes, preached sermons and headed a procession. These tokens are assumed to be part of this ceremony and may have been used by the boy to exchange for sweetmeats or alms.
Very Fine. Rare.
From the inventory of a UK dealer.
This token is a remnant of an old tradition held in England during the Middle Ages. From St. Nicholas' day on December 6 to Childermas on December 28, a choir boy from certain churches and abbeys was selected to be a 'boy Bishop' for the period. During this time the child wore bishop's robes, preached sermons and headed a procession. These tokens are assumed to be part of this ceremony and may have been used by the boy to exchange for sweetmeats or alms.