You should be aware of the significance of a coin found on a loved one’s grave.

Everybody remembers and pays respect to deceased family members in a distinctive way.

It should be anticipated in the modern world that people will commemorate the lives of the deceased by respecting their customs. Some may find that means adhering to customs or practices that the rest of us find offensive, but it doesn’t make them any less legitimate.

This also applies to gravestones and the ornamentation certain families decide to add to their loved ones’ resting sites. Coins are typically placed on gravestones; this is something you have undoubtedly seen before. However, why is this present? From where did it originate? Read on to find out more.

This is something that people do at cemeteries around the United States and other nations. On gravestones, they placed coins. I first saw it when I was a youngster and went to see my grandfather’s tomb. Even then, I began to wonder what it was all about.

Fortunately, tracing its origins online doesn’t require much work. There was a period when many believed the practice originated with the Roman soldiers, but several sources from subsequent years have refuted that claim.

Coins on gravestones, however, are associated with the armed forces. Some claim that it originates from the Vietnam War. According to the American Legion website:

“Leaving a coin at the grave was thought to be a more practical way to let people know you had visited the grave than calling the soldier’s family, which could lead to an awkward argument about war politics, because of the political divide in the country over the war.”

On gravestones, veterans who wish to pay tribute to their dead colleagues may also place money, often with the goal of purchasing a drink for the deceased. According to reports, each coin represents a distinct meaning.

A nickel, for instance, indicates that the person who left it did not attend boot camp with the deceased, but a penny just indicates that someone was present.

Conversely, a dime indicates the length of time that both individuals served in the military together. Subsequently, the family is informed by the quarters that the individual who left the coin was present with the deceased when they passed away.

Ever saw a coin being left on a grave? Did you get the message? Please comment below with your ideas.