If you’ve ever visited a cemetery and noticed coins left atop a headstone, you might have wondered: What does this mean? It’s not an offering from mourners at a shrine, nor a superstitious ritual—it’s a deeply respectful, centuries-old custom with roots in military honor, camaraderie, and silent gratitude.
Today, this practice is most commonly associated with visits to the graves of fallen service members, but its origins stretch back even further—to ancient battlefields, Roman roads, and the quiet language of remembrance.
Let’s explore the history, meaning, and unspoken messages behind this poignant gesture.
🪙 The Military Tradition: A Silent “I Was Here”
