Amulet, metal, coin

Made:
1918 in France
Amulet, metal, coin, value of 5 centimes, with tricolour ribbon

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Amulet, metal, coin, value of 5 centimes, with tricolour ribbon
Science Museum Group
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Metal 5 centime coin used as an amulet, with additional hole made adjacent to the standard central hole through which is tied a tricolour ribbon, believed to have been carried by a soldier during the First World War, 1918, from the Lovett collection.

The carrying of ‘lucky charms’ – as protective amulets against ill health and physical danger – is common in many cultures around the world. This small 5 centime coin, through which has been tied a tricolour ribbon was reputedly carried by a soldier fighting during First World War, 1914-1918.

The amulet was bought for the Wellcome collection in 1930 from Edward Lovett’s (1852-1933) collection of British amulets and charms. Lovett was a collector who documented different medical traditions and beliefs.

Details

Category:
Ethnography and Folk Medicine
Collection:
Sir Henry Wellcome's Museum Collection
Object Number:
A79866
Materials:
silver, ? material and ribbon, cloth
type:
protective amulets
credit:
Lovett Collection