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Coins for the dead is a form of respect for the dead orbereavement. The practice began inclassical antiquity when people believed the dead neededcoins to pay aferryman to cross the riverStyx. In modern times the practice has been observed in theUnited States andCanada: visitors leave coins on the gravestones of former military personnel.[1]
Cemetery visitors began the practice of leaving coins for the dead in ancient Greece andancient Rome. It was believed that when people died, they needed coins to payCharon to cross the river Styx. It was believed that without coins, the dead would not be able to cross, and they would therefore live on the banks of the Styx river for 100 years. Ancient Egyptians followed the practice of burying people with riches that they might need in the next life.[2] Greeks were also known to put a coin known asCharon's obol in the mouths of deceased people.[3]
In modern times the practice of leaving coins for the dead has been primarily for the military graves.[3] The practice of leaving coins at military personnel grave markers is primarily both American and Canadian tradition. It is seen as a way to show respect for the person's sacrifice. Each denomination of American and Canadian coins signifies the level of relationship the visitor had with the dead.[4]
Some large cemeteries discourage the practice of leaving coins: Barbara Lewandowski, a spokesperson forArlington National Cemetery, has asked visitors not to leave coins, because they cause injuries during grass cutting. She said leaving coins at the military cemetery was very common.[6]
