History of Pawnbroking
Saint Nicholas, better known today as Santa Claus, is actually the patron Saint of Pawnbrokers. Born in Turkey, he was ordained as a priest at a young age and quickly became known for his acts of generosity. He came to be regarded as a Saint by all who knew him and his deeds. One of the most famous stories was that of the three bags of gold given by Nicholas to a man who wanted to save his three daughters from proverty. The three gold balls became the enduring symbol of the Pawnbroker and still hang outside many shops today.