Re: silver spoons, I recently heard an article on BBC R4 which said silver spoons were a lifesaver for babies due to the antibacterial properties of silver.

The custom of giving a coin in a purse is still usual in Scotland today, I think it may be called to 'hansel' the purse. Giving a coin back in return for a knife also included anything sharp, eg a brooch pin, traditionally the samllest coin of the realm.

fx