Meaning Behind the Tradition of Coins on Gravestones

The Meaning Behind Each Coin

Penny: A penny means that someone has visited. It’s a quiet way of saying, “You are remembered.” Even such a small gesture carries a powerful message that the individual is not forgotten.

Nickel: A nickel suggests that the visitor trained alongside the deceased during boot camp. It honors the bond built through discipline, endurance, and the beginning of their military journey.
Dime: A dime shows that the visitor served in the military with the departed. This coin represents the brotherhood and shared sacrifice of those who fought side by side.
Quarter: A quarter reveals that the visitor was present when the individual passed away. It carries the weight of shared grief and acknowledges the painful moment of farewell.
The Impact of the Tradition