Maundy Money Público Deposited
This money was first issued in 1670, to conform to the old custom of distributing the royal bounty to certain poor persons on Maundy or Holy Thursday. The name seems to be derived from the maund or bay in which they were carried. The coins consist of silver Fourpence or Groats, Threepence, Twopence or half Groats, and Pennies; they are not intended for currency but are, nevertheless, legal tender.
In the reign of Victoria a considerable number of the Threepences and half Groats were exported to Jamaica and used as currency there. See Wire Money.
The practice of distributing coins to the populace dates from the time of the Roman emperors, where such pieces, called Missilia, were thrown to the public on days of festivity, during the performances at the circus, etc. In the German series, coins specially struck for distribution during commemorative exercises receive the name of Auswurf Munzen, i.e., "money to be thrown out."
- Frey's Dictionary (American Journal of Numismatics, Vol. 50, 1916)