Rensselaer Republican, Volume 21, Number 40, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 6 June 1889 — A Bishop’s “Bogus” Coin. [ARTICLE]

A Bishop’s “Bogus” Coin.

Fall Mall Gazette. Dr. Billings, bishop of Bedford, tells an amusing story about an East end church collection. It appears that the bishop had been preaching to a very poor congregation, and that when the plate was handed round, moved by companssion, he contributed a sovereign to < it. While disrobing in the vestry he inquired of one of the church wardens what sort of A collection there had been. ,“Bector than usual, thanks to your lordship,” was the reply; “we have got several coins and a quantity of copper. There is a sovereign also, but that of course is a bogus one.” The bishop held his peace, but must have been Blightly chagrined at the miscarriage of his liberality. Later he ventured to inquire of the other church wardens what the collection had amounted to. “Seventeen and eightpence halfpennymuch better than usual,” was the answer cheerfully given. The prelate does not divulge whether or not he pocketed hi» modesty, and confessed that some acquaintance with the golden coin enabled him to vouch for its genuineness.