The Maundy ceremony is based on Jesus Christs’ actions at the Last Supper, in which he washed the feet of the disciples (an ancient hospitality tradition) and instructed them to “love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” (John 13:34). This is the basis for all Maundy ceremonies, which take place on the the Thursday before Easter.

Maundy ceremonies were first celebrated by the British monarch in 1210 A.D., when King John handed out clothing, utensils and other items to poor families. The very early Maundy ceremonies included the washing of the feet, symbolic of Christ washing the feet of the disciples. During this ceremony high ranking clergymen or monarchs would wash the feet of lower ranking clergymen or the poor. The washing of the feet, though now rarely practiced, was once a major ceremony conducted by nearly every European monarch, some as late the 20th century.

Maundy sets are sets of four coins consisting of penny, twopence, threepence and fourpence (groat) pieces. The sets are traditionally given out by the reigning monarch of Great Britain to poor families each year. The number of sets handed out corresponds to the monarchs age. For instance, if Queen Elizabeth II were 70 on Maundy day, then 70 sets would be handed out to 70 families. The first traditional Maundy set was minted in 1660, during the reign of Charles II. Since then, it has been a yearly tradition among the reigning British monarchs. Starting in 1822 (during the reign of George IV), the four denominations were made special for use in Maundy sets. Prior to that date, the circulating coinage had been used.

Until 1920, the silver purity was .925 fine (sterling). After 1920, the purity was reduced to .500 fine, until 1947, when it was once again changed, this time back to .925 fine. It may seem odd that the silver purity was reduced and then increased, but there is a very good reason for such actions to be taken. In 1920, the silver content of all British coins was reduced .925, or 92.5% silver to .500, or 50% silver. When the circulating coins were changed, so too were Maundy coins. Beginning in 1947, silver was removed from British coins entirely to assist in paying off the massive war debt that England had racked up following World War II. As it was thought improper to strike Maundy coins in copper-nickel, the composition was reverted back to the original 92.5% silver.

No Maundy sets are cheap, but many are very affordable. Prior to 1909, they could simply be purchased from banks for a small fee. In 1909, King Edward VII ordered that Maundy sets only be issued to the poor families involved in the ceremonies, so sets are much less common after that date.
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