If you've ever visited a cemetery, chances are you've seen coins on a headstone. While it may seem strange at first, placing coins on gravestones is a long-standing tradition. Let's take a closer look at the origins of this revered custom and what it means today.
Why Do People Leave Coins on a Gravestone?
The tradition of leaving mementos on a gravestone is seen throughout history, holding a different meaning within various cultures. For example, in the Jewish religion, a stone is left as a symbol of respect and to indicate the gravesite was visited.
For servicemen, the tradition of leaving coins on a headstone dates back to ancient Greece and the Roman Empire. At the time, it was common practice to place a coin in the mouth of a fallen soldier, allowing them to cross the River Styx. According to Greek mythology, doing so would lead them to the afterlife. The coin, called Charon's obol, would act as payment for the ferryman of Hades.
Fast forward to the Vietnam War, when political tensions were high, visitors would place coins on the tombstone to communicate with the deceased soldier's family and let them know they had visited. This act was a practical way to show support and honor a fallen soldier during a time when the country was experiencing a significant political divide. Today, leaving a coin on a service member's is mostly symbolic and lets family members know you visited their loved one.
What Do Different Coins on the Gravestone Mean?
The type of coin left on a gravestone has a specific meaning, personalizing the act and making it even more meaningful.
The Penny
Leaving a penny on a deceased service member's tombstone means you visited their grave.
The Nickel
Leaving a nickel indicates you attended boot camp together.
The Dime
Leaving a dime means you served together in some way.
The Quarter
A quarter is one of the most meaningful coins since it indicates that you were there when the service member died.
What Do Cemeteries Do with Coins on the Gravestone?
Every month, the coins placed on military member's gravestones are collected and used for a variety of purposes. These include cemetery upkeep and maintenance, burial cost assistance, and care for soldiers in need.
Source: https://www.americanflags.com/blog/post/what-do-coins-on-a-military-gravestone-mean?srsltid=AfmBOopHpYkDMfPyZGPP5ARNomKBNrDEMBecAVbwn-sHFSYzEPCT6hrA accessed Oct. 28, 2024
