The practice of leaving coins on grave markers is a tradition with roots in ancient customs and enduring symbolism. These small tokens, most commonly pennies, nickels, dimes, and quarters, serve as silent messages left by visitors to the deceased. The placement of these coins transcends mere decoration, acting as a form of communication and respect.
The significance attributed to the coins varies depending on the coin’s denomination and the context of the visit. A penny indicates that someone visited the grave. A nickel signifies that the visitor trained at boot camp with the deceased. A dime suggests the visitor served with the deceased. A quarter typically means the visitor was present when the deceased passed away. Beyond these specific interpretations, the act represents remembrance, gratitude for the individual’s service (particularly in the case of veterans), and a tangible expression of loss. Historically, the practice may stem from the belief in paying the ferryman to cross the River Styx in the afterlife, or as a contribution to the deceased’s afterlife expenses. Today, the coins often collected from veterans’ graves and used to help defray the costs of maintaining the cemetery or providing assistance to veterans’ families.
