Noel Woolf. Published by the British Association of Numismatic Societies. Manchester, 1990. PB (Paper covers). 64pp, illustrated throughout with numerous B&W photographs and enlargements.  147 x 210mm.  New.

The practice of the king touching a subject during a religious service, to cure him, or her,  of scrofula, a tubercular infection and giving alms, began with Henry II.  The alms given became a touch piece hung about the sufferer's neck by the king himself - a sovereign remedy.  When the angel with its legend PER CRUCEM TUA SALVA NOS CHRISTE REDEMPTOR was introduced around 1470 it became the ideal coin for use in such a ceremony.