How to Pick Mardi Gras Coins and Doubloons

More than 100 years ago, Mardi Gras krewes first started throwing coins and medallions out to people along the parade route. Today, most krewes design special doubloons out of aluminum. A doubloon features the name of the krewe, the year and the theme of the parade. People along the parade route shout out, "Throw me something, Mister" and krewe members throw doubloons, coins, plastic cups and stuffed animals, as well as other things.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Select Mardi Gras Coins and Doubloons

1. Stomp your foot down on a doubloon if you see one on the ground. Wait for the crowd to clear, and then pick up doubloons and coins with your hands.
2. Pick up a fishing net at a local tackle shop. Decorate the net and use it to scoop up doubloons during the chaos of the Mardi Gras parades.
3. Grab a tote bag for carrying your doubloons and beads with you throughout the day.
4. Find a parade schedule online and follow your favorite Mardi Gras krewes along the parade route (see Resources below). Be sure to call out extra loud when the king float passes, as the royal float carries the best throws and doubloons.
5. Track down the Orpheus Krewe parade and look for up to three different types of doubloons.
6. Follow the Troth Krewe parade for special 2-inch doubloons. Keep in mind typical doubloons are 1 1/2 inches in diameter, making the Troth doubloons collectible.
7. Look for the most collectible doubloons and coins during the Rex, Comus, Bacchus and Endymion parades.
8. Look for alternatives to doubloons, like Drachmas from the Zeus Krewe and Cairo Coins from the Pharaohs Krewe.
9. Pick up collectible gold and silver coins from the Old Mint in New Orleans or from specialty shops like Crescent City Coin Traders.
10. Look for special "throws" from each Mardi Gras Krewe. Keep an eye out for stuffed jesters from Hermes, Friar Tuck dolls from the Tucks and Pegasus dolls from Pegasus. Remember every Krewe throws out frisbees, plastic cups, footballs and other items as well.

Tips & Warnings

• Mardi Gras unofficial etiquette says the first person to grab a doubloon is the owner. If someone fights you for a throw, it's always better to let him have it than risk a run-in with the law.
• Expect to see some nudity during Mardi Gras parades, as people often flash body parts for coins, beads and doubloons.