Pennies

[tammy98]

Hello. When my dad was on his deathbed recently, he was in and out consciousness due to his health and drugs. Whilst staying with my parents, my dad shouted out that he needed 13 pennies to get in to heaven. Does anyone know the significance of this and why 13? Thanks!

I'm afraid I don't! The only thing I can think of is that there were twelve pence to a shilling (I'm assuming your dad remembered 'old money') so maybe there was some old saying to that effect, that it was a nonsense amount and that no-one could 'buy' their way into heaven? Have you drawn a blank with Google?

I thought it was one for each of the apostles and one for Jesus. Kind of buy your way in 😂

I am interested in the old death customs but cannot find anything linked to 13 pennies. I am sure you know that they used to put pennies on the eyelids of the deceased and also that an obal was given to the deceased person to pay Charon the ferryman. I couldnt get an obal when I lost Mum so sent her on her way with a £2 coin (amongst other things). Apparently there are lots of bible verses which include pennies. Sorry for the loss of your Dad.

Is it not to pay the ferry man over the river Stix? Don't know why 13 of them.