A Practical Gesture

According to the American Legion, leaving a coin became a simple, practical way to show that someone had visited a soldier’s grave. It avoided uncomfortable discussions about the war, especially given the country’s divided views at the time.

Symbolism Behind Each Coin

Each coin left on a grave carries its own meaning.

• A penny simply shows someone visited.
• A nickel means the visitor and the deceased trained together in boot camp.
• A dime symbolizes that they served together, even for a short time.
• A quarter tells the family that the person who left it was with the deceased when they died.

Additional Military Traditions

Challenge coins are another long-standing military tradition. While they don’t have monetary value, they carry immense symbolic significance. This tradition grew during World War I and reflects the unity of those who served together.

Coins in Other Cultures

Coins also play a role in various cultural rituals, often symbolizing good luck, wishes, or even wealth. In some cases, people were buried with their money. For example, Abraham Lincoln reportedly had $2.50 placed over his eyes when he was buried.

A Deeper Connection

While the tradition of leaving coins on gravestones may not directly relate to the monetary symbolism, it represents a much deeper connection. It’s a way for families and comrades to show that the sacrifices of military members have not been forgotten.