The Tradition of Placing Coins on Headstones

As Memorial Day weekend begins on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at 10:15 AM EDT, families across the nation are visiting cemeteries

Memorial Day weekend kicks off on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at 10:15 AM EDT, and as families head to cemeteries, they may notice coins placed on the headstones of fallen soldiers. This longstanding tradition carries deep significance for military families and veterans.

Coins left on gravesites convey specific messages: a penny signifies a visit, a nickel indicates shared boot camp training, a dime denotes having served together, and a quarter signals the visitor was present when the soldier died.

Coins placed on the headstones of fallen soldiers in Arlington National Cemetery are a common sight, and this practice, which dates back to the Roman Empire, has been covered in several news articles and documentaries. The tradition is said to have gained prominence in the U.S. during the Vietnam War amid political divisions, offering a discreet way to honor the deceased without family disputes or engage in heated political arguments.

Coins left on gravesites convey specific messages: a penny signifies a visit, a nickel indicates shared boot camp training, a dime denotes having served together, and a quarter signals the visitor was present when the soldier died.

Coins collected from national and state veterans’ cemeteries are used to maintain the grounds or cover burial costs for indigent veterans. Some Vietnam veterans also left coins as a symbolic “down payment” for a future beer or card game with their fallen comrades.

Earlier this week, it was announced that the U.S. Mint will be phasing out penny production by early 2026 due to the rising costs of making the copper-plated zinc coins. As the saying goes, "they don't make them like they used to."

However, existing coins remain legal tender and usable for this purpose. Though the tradition may evolve with the phasing out of the penny, rendering it capable of covering the ultimate price that some paid for freedom.

This Memorial Day, as families gather to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice, the sight of coins on headstones continues to reflect a quiet, enduring tribute.