1666 - 350 in 66 items
1666 - 350 in 66 items
1666 - 350 in 66 items
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SPECIAL ANNIVERSARY PRIVATE SALE CATALOGUE<br />
43. Touched by K<strong>in</strong>g Charles II, a gold “Touch Piece” medalet, c. 1<strong>66</strong>4, 20mm, holed for<br />
wear<strong>in</strong>g, <strong>in</strong>terest<strong>in</strong>g and scarce.<br />
*Touch pieces were gold co<strong>in</strong>s used to cure disease or br<strong>in</strong>g good luck. Through touch they became<br />
amulets. British monarchs from Edward the Confessor to Queen Anne held ceremonies dur<strong>in</strong>g which<br />
through their “God given” powers of touch they healed the sick. Charles II m<strong>in</strong>ted special medalets for<br />
the ceremonies, which he took seriously. He didn’t, however, touch the diseased, but touched the<br />
medalets and then gave them to the sick. So he did touch this medalet.<br />
“To Whitehall to the Banquet House and there saw the K<strong>in</strong>g heale … which he did with great gravity; and it<br />
seemed an ugly office and a simple one” Samuel Pepys Diary, 13 th April 1<strong>66</strong>1.<br />
41
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