A wrapped chocolate coin in the form of a British farthing
The same coin, unwrapped.
Wrapped chocolate coins mimicking coins of several currencies

Chocolate coins, or chocolate money, are foil-covered chocolates in the shape of coins. They are usually created with milk chocolate.

History

As a Christmas tradition, chocolate coin giving is said to be inspired by the deeds of Saint Nicholas in the fourth century,[1] with chocolate coins introduced some time after chocolate's introduction into Europe in the sixteenth century.

United Kingdom

In the United Kingdom, chocolate coins mimic the design of real money; they are traditionally bought around Christmas and are used to decorate the Christmas tree and to fill the stockings of children. When children visit a friend or relative they are allowed to find and take chocolates from the tree as a treat. A variant of this is that chocolate coins are hidden somewhere in the house for children to find, often in the form of a treasure trail.[2]

Hannukah Gelt

During the Jewish festival of Hanukkah, chocolate coins are sometimes given to children in addition or in replacement of the traditional gelt (gift of money), typically with a dreidel.[3]

Chinese New Year

For Chinese New Year, in place of traditional Hongbao or "lucky money", chocolate coins are sometimes now given.[4][5]

Chocolate coin collections

Chocolate coin collection by antipodes café, exhibited in 2022.

During "Festival Cuéntalo", held in Logroño in November 2022, the Norwegian non-profit organization "antipodes café" presented the exhibition "illegal tender" at Logroño City Hall, showcasing their collection of chocolate coins.[6] This installation included hundreds of unique designs mimicking legal tender. However, in some cases, coins with fake or "fantastic" designs were included. For example Rubles with a butterfly on their obverse, or "Argentinian Besos" (instead of "Argentinian Pesos") were displayed at the aforementioned show. According to the authors, "(…) [the] presentation [of their chocolate coin collection] is inspired by coin exhibitions, distancing this quotidian objects from their functionality and users, adding value —in the broadest sense of the term— through a distinguished position, flawless use of materials, lightning conditions, control of circulation, and additional information." [7]

See also

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Chocolate coins.

References

  1. ↑ "Chocolate: Food of the Gods - Chocolate Coin". www.ownways.com. Archived from the original on November 21, 2008.
  2. ↑ Christmas Tree Traditions in Britain (A British Christmas) Archived 2012-12-06 at the Wayback Machine
  3. ↑ "Hanukkah History: Those Chocolate Coins Were Once Real Tips". NPR.org. Retrieved 2023-01-08.
  4. ↑ "Chocolate Coins - History, Uses and Traditions Around the World". Bakerycity. 2022-08-16. Retrieved 2023-01-08.
  5. ↑ "Fortuitous food: Lucky Chinese New Year food and auspicious snacks that you should try in Hong Kong". Honeycombers Hong Kong. 2022-01-06. Retrieved 2023-01-08.
  6. ↑ "illegal tender, 2022". antipodes café. 2022-11-07. Retrieved 2023-05-09.
  7. ↑ "Hoby of kings". antipodes café. 2022-11-07. Retrieved 2023-05-09.


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