What does the word "Dandiprat" mean and what's it's relevance to Numismatics? The Free On-line Dictionary gives us some insight: dandiprat: Archaic (English?) a. a small boy b. an insignificant person (of unknown origin) Dictionary.com concurs, but adds more meaning: dandiprat (dan-dee-prat) Origin: 1510-20 orig. uncert. -noun (Archaic) a. a diminuative person; a dwarf, pgymy, or midget b. a person of small or diminuative mind; a silly, finicky, or purile person And, finally, Wikipedia's agreeing definition: dandiprat (plural dandiprats) (obsolete noun) An insignificant or contemptible person The Numismatic connection? The reign (August 22, 1485-April 21, 1509) of His Highness Henry VII, King of England and France, Lord of Ireland, makes that connection. In spite of all his faults, failures and his penchant for making enemies, Henry accomplished one numismatic feat. A coin variety (denomination) that only lasted while he ruled. Bad economic times (late 15th century) depleted the treasury, emptied the churches' coffers and was excessively severe to the serfs and commonfolk so Henry envisioned a low denomination silver coin that would circulate among the poor, rich and religious. That coin was the dandiprat which was given the value of three half-pence (total value = 1 1/2 Pence, an insignificant amount of money). Thought you'd like to know... Clinker
I can honestly say that is a word I've never heard before in my life! I wonder it was referred to as three half pence and not one and a half?
To mpcusa: I don't have any Tuppence, or 20Bob, or Tanners, no Quid, no Groats, and certainly not one Pony which = two Tenners, let alone a dandiprat or two...:mouth: Clinker
Hi, again, bobbeth87...and "Thanks" for another comment that makes want to find another interesting numismatic item to share with you and other Coin Talk members and visitors...GRR! Clinker
