Numismatics

The 17^th of June saw the Numismatic Section at La Hougue Bie in Victorian costume.

The Section had decided to show and explain the pre-decimal coinage you would have had in your pocket/purse in 1873.

The following coins were in circulation in Jersey and were on display.

Jersey – 1/13^th and 1/26^th of a shilling.    

Guernsey – 1, 2, 4 and 8 doubles. 

  Britain – ¼, ½ and 1 penny, 3, 4 and 6 pence, 1 and 2 shillings,                 

                ½ and full crown, ½ and full sovereigns. 

 

France – centime and francs were also in use.        

  

                                        

Also on display were a complete set of Jersey coins 1813- 1966.                         

To give an idea of prices and wages during the Victorian period;                                                                       

Bread cost 2 pennies (1 pence now)

Pint of beer 1 penny (1/2 pence now)

A farm worker earned 7 shillings and 6 pence (37 ½ pence) for a 10 hour, 6 day week.

Scrooge’s Bob Cratchit earned twice as much 15 shillings (75 pence) for a 10 hour 6 day week.