15 coin trees, or the nightmares of numismatists (16 photos)

Nowadays it is quite difficult to find ancient coins. But not in the Scottish Peak District forest. Here, numismatists’ dreams literally “grow” on trees, peeking out from under the bark of trunks, roots, and branches in dense rows. How did they get there? It is possible that this is due to an ancient belief that has existed in Great Britain since time immemorial.





The ancient tradition was to present a gift to the forest gods, who grant wishes. So the people with their needs went to the magic trees to hammer a coin into the wood. Some asked for wealth, others for health. One way or another, some trees turned out to be so densely “stuffed” with offerings that their bark resembles the chain mail of medieval knights. At first, pilgrims brought gifts of simple jewelry and sweets. Then Christmas appeared in the lives of the inhabitants of the British Isles with fragrant spruce, which people began to decorate with bright decorations. And they went to the forest trees with coins. Pilgrims called them wish trees. It was believed that the donated money took away all the troubles, freeing the previous owner from illness, curses, and poverty. The larger the donation, the more children will be born in the family.



Oddly enough, the ancient tradition is still alive. Vivid proof of this is the coins dating back to the current century, which are driven into the barrel next to the ancient farthings. To insert a coin into a tree, you need to use a stone or a hammer.





An ancient tradition, like a coin, has a downside. Under no circumstances should you be greedy or try to take away donations. It’s easy to take the troubles of the former owner along with someone else’s money. That’s why 15 miracle trees stood untouched for several centuries. There has not yet been a brave man willing to bring upon himself the misfortunes of others.



The oldest coin discovered by researchers in the miracle trees is the 1700 florin, which was minted by the English mint of the 16th century. Queen Victoria described visiting a coin tree in the mountains of Wales. It is noteworthy that the metal penetrates through the wood. The plant grew, gradually hiding the metal, and people continued to add new coins.



Today there is a tourist route to the magical numismatist trees. The Peak District forest is under state protection.