Long before gifts were distributed on Chanuka, there was a tradition to give Chanuka gelt (money in German).

The Rashba (1235-1310) mentions a charitable person who distributed money to widows and orphans during Chanuka.

In the 18th Century, the Magen Avraham (Orach Chayim 670) describes the custom where poor yeshiva students would knock on the doors of Jewish benefactors on Chanuka and receive money.

Why are coins specifically given?

The First Book of Maccabees........

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