Why do people do this to Ben Franklin's grave?

Tootawl

While visiting the US Mint in Philly, I took a look at Ben Franklin's grave which is right across the street from the Mint. Does anyone know hwy people throw various coins on his grave?

DNADave

I don't see any halves

FC57Coins

How much of it did you pocket???

ddbird

Goodluck and tradition....I hope you threw one....


I was just there a few weeks ago...there were some quarters. Maybe your just bad luck!

JoesMaName

He coined the phrase "A penny saved is a penny earned" and didn't he write poor Richard's almanac?

Tootawl

<< <i>I don't see any halves >>


Russ & Lucy got to 'em before anyone else.

FC57Coins

I bet there was enough there for one of those good hot pretzels that you put mustard on

bearcave

It's supposed to be for good luck. But his Motto was "penny saved is a penny earned" so I'm not sure how it ends up being good luck?

Tootawl

<< <i>How much of it did you pocket??? >>


Even though I have the longest arms on the forum (not to mention other body parts ), I couldn't reach any. The grave is located just inside a wall next to the street. The wall is brick with iron bars where you could see famous graves like Bens. The cementary was closed so I couldn't go in and get some pocket change.

Blackhawk

If the coin happens to land entirely inside the 0 of 1790, you win a teddy bear.

Tootawl

<< <i>Goodluck and tradition....I hope you threw one....


I was just there a few weeks ago...there were some quarters. Maybe your just bad luck! >>


Yes, I did throw a few coins just in case it was a good luck thing.

Tootawl

<< <i>If the coin happens to land entirely inside the 0 of 1790, you win a teddy bear. >>

fivecents

A penny saved is a penny earned only applys to the living.

ddbird

It was locked! The little guy who runs the gift shop must of been ill. Hes nice if you buy something or give a donation but he gets grumpy if ya juse walk in. I always just walk in

Besides...its fun to stand there and watch all the goofy people stop on the side walk and take pictures...

Tootawl

<< <i>Besides...its fun to stand there and watch all the goofy people stop on the side walk and take pictures... >>


Yes it is!........

HEY!!!! WAIT A MINUTE!!!!

PhillyJoe

It's a neat little graveyard that has been undisturbed for 200 years in a very busy part of town.

It was closed for over 40 years and just reopened to the public a year or two ago. Makes for an interesting walk with the map they let you borrow. The who's who of Philadelphia are buried there.

The Christ Church is right across the street and I think the tradition of throwing coins on Ben's grave started after weddings for good luck.

Many of the headstones are unreadable; while others you can read their life story with other family members buried nearby.

Joe

ddbird

Tootawl you need to go back when the graveyard is open. It sounds dumb, but its one of my favorite philly tourist sights....beats that darn bell any day!

Joes right, its alot of Philadelphia history in a small cemetary. Neat place!

Tootawl

This was several years ago - pre 9-11. The grave yard was closed.

K6AZ

There are quite a few interesting people who are buried in that cemetary. Here is the complete list:

Political Graveyard

Tootawl

That is an impressive list of people buried there.

grip

Think they would lock me up for using an MD

relayer

A Penny Saved is A Penny Earned.


I threw a cent on his grave when I was there - It's just down the street from the Philly Mint

Hoot

<< <i>There are quite a few interesting people who are buried in that cemetary. Here is the complete list:

Political Graveyard >>



Excellent link! Thanks!

Hoot

Conder101

<< <i>He coined the phrase "A penny saved is a penny earned" and didn't he write poor Richard's almanac? >>



Actually the quote as printed in Poor Richards was "A penny saved is two pence clear."