A wrapped chocolate coin in the form of a British farthing

The same coin, unwrapped.

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.^{[citation needed]}

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

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, "(…) presentation 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.

• Hanukkah gelt
• List of candies

References

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