The Elizabeth II 1999 Maundy Set is a numismatic treasure composed of four silver coins – fourpenny, threepenny, twopenny and one penny pieces. The tradition of British monarchs distributing Maundy money began in 1662 during the reign of Charles II when undated hammered coins were bestowed upon recipients. The practice drew inspiration from the Bible story of Christ washing his disciples' feet the day before Good Friday. These coins, purposefully minted for this ceremonial occasion, comprised a quartet of denominations: four pence, three pence, two pence and one penny. In 1670, the practice evolved into issuing dated sets featuring all four coins.