Thirteen-pence-half-penny

Thirteen-pence-half-penny Pubblico Deposited

Definizione

This sum was formerly known as "the hangman's wages", it being the fee given to the executioner at Tyburn. The name was given to the Scotch Merk, which after the union of England and Scotland was decreed to be current at 13 1/2 pence.
It is referred to by Defoe, in his novel, Colonel Jack, 1722, who mentions "A paper of old thirteen-pence-half-penny pieces, half and quarter pieces, with ninepences, and four-pence-halfpennies, all crooked money, Scotch and Irish coin."

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