The 17th 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 – 1/13th and 1/26th 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.
