The Significance of Coins on Headstones

Symbolism fills cemeteries, and the headstones reveal a bit about the people buried there. Knowledge of headstone symbolism can help unlock the stories. One such tradition is leaving coins on headstones.

  1. Legend

    • Some believe that the tradition dates back to the Greeks, who would leave coins to help the deceased pay the ferryman at the River Styx.

    Sign of Visit

    • Much like leaving a small stone or flowers, a coin on a headstone can indicate a visit to a grave.

    Military

    • Coins left in Arlington National Cemetery and other military cemeteries have added meaning, according to the website Military Salute Project. A penny indicates a visit. A nickel shows that you attended boot camp or training with the deceased. A dime shows service in the same company but a different platoon. A quarter is left by a service member who was with the deceased when the person died.

    Franklin

    • Many pennies are left at Benjamin Franklin's grave. His famous quote "a penny saved is a penny earned" is the best explanation for this phenomenon.

    Alternative

    • Also commonly left at graves, shells can symbolize "resurrection."

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