💰 The Meaning Behind Leaving Coins on Gravestones – A Gesture of Remembrance

Among U.S. military veterans and their loved ones, leaving coins has become a silent code of respect — each denomination carrying its own message:

Penny (1¢)
“I visited. You are remembered.”
Often left by strangers or fellow patriots paying respects
Nickel (5¢)
“We trained together.”
Said to be left by someone who went through boot camp with the deceased
Dime (10¢)
“We served together.”
A sign of camaraderie from a fellow service member
Quarter (25¢)
“I was there when you died.”
Left by comrades who were with them at their final moment — especially common at war memorials

🪖 This tradition is especially strong at veterans’ gravesites and memorial parks like Arlington National Cemetery.