Coins for the Dead?

bulloncoins

I know that in the 19th century, and probably dating back much further, it was a custom to put coins over the eyes of the dead. I had always thought this was done to hold the eyelids down, however when I was watching "From Hell" (a movie about Jack the Ripper) I found out this was done so the dead would have money to pay the "Ferry man" to take him accross the River of Death("Styx?")...Was this a common practice in the United States as well as Europe? Can anyone tell me what the most common type of coin was that was used for this purpose? I know this seem like a morbid subject, but I love learning about the history of coins. Thanks for your input.

Bull on coins

jeffnpcb

I heard mostly large coppers and some small. I am still confused on why they did it, but I seen several movies and read in history books that it was done. Morbid, no! Confusing, yes.

OnlyBuffalos

The ancient Greeks and Romans would place a coin in the mouth of the dead person as payment to Charon, the rower of the boat across the river Styx. It was necessary to cross Styx to get to heaven.

nwcs

I know it was an ancient practice. The Greeks and Romans did this at times. And under the Hellenistic influence, other areas in that region did this as well. As for the United States, I've not heard of it being practiced in the past. I would lean against it as it was a ritual of non-Christian origin and many of the settlers of America were either real Christians, cultural Christians, or people influenced by Christian ideas. However, that didn't prevent many other intriguing rituals from being performed.

Neil

ricko

The coins placed on the eyes were to keep the eyes from opening... they were usually copper.. due to economics. It has been said that the more well-to-do used silver. And it was done in America - early America. Cheers, RickO

remumc

"He'd take the nickels off a dead man's eyes, to buy a Coca Cola and an Eskimo Pie"

Quoted (pretty closely anyway)from Windsboro Cotton Mill Blues by Peter Yarrow(of Peter, Paul, and Mary)

Regards,

Wayne

CLASSICS

i just checked my pulse, good its still working, however, coins were placed on the eyes of the dearly departed to keep them closed.

MrSunshine

For me, you've asked an interesting question. I've read that coins were used for eyes that weren't closed. With the multitude of opinions I'm now required to do do some reasearch. Thank you, I love research.

lincolnSence

They used all the common coins over their eyes, they kept the lincolns in their pockets to trade once they got into heaven

richbeat

"Now my advice for those who die, declare the pennies on your eyes." George Harrison (The Beatles) from "Taxman."