Posted on September 20, 2014
Legends all over the world cast coins not only as forms of currency, but as good luck charms as well. There are coins that supposedly make you lucky and rich, and ward off disease and bad luck. If you love coins, and are looking for a little luck, you may want to pick up one of these five lucky coins.
Leap Year Mercury Dime (U.S)
Many gamblers in the U.S. swear by the luck of the leap year Mercury dime. The “silver dime” as it’s also known, is used in the African-American religion of hoodoo to help conjure luck as well. These practices likely stem from Mercury being the god of “the crossroads” or fate, as well as chance. Ironically, the dime actually depicts the goddess Liberty, though it is commonly thought to be the god Mercury.
Silver Sixpence (Great Britain)
In Great Britain, the lucky silver sixpence plays a role in all kinds of traditions. British brides wear a silver sixpence in their shoes on their wedding day for good luck. Christmas and New Year’s traditions include a silver sixpence hidden in chocolate pudding and a cake, respectively. The recipient of the coin in their dessert is blessed with luck for the year to come.
Five-Yen Coin (Japan)
In Japanese, the words for five yen, go en, are a hom*ophone for words that loosely mean respect and friendship. Go en is commonly said between friends in Japan when wishing each other good luck in friendship. Five-yen coins are said to offer good luck with money. In Japan, when you purchase a new wallet, it’s good luck to place a five-yen coin in it before adding any other currency. Many Japanese cashiers keep a five-yen coin in the back of their registers for good luck as well.
Feng Shui Coins (China)
In China, coins with a square hole in the middle hold a special meaning—the square in the center represents the Earth, and the circle the heavens around it. These coins are arranged in different designs in the ancient Chinese practice of feng shui to help summon luck in all aspects of life. These coins are also often worn around the neck with a red ribbon as amulets to fight off negativity and illness.
Silver Dollars (U.S.)
Many coin collectors consider both Peace Dollars and Morgan Dollars lucky among U.S. currency, likely because both of them contain a large amount of silver compared to other circulated currency. Experienced collectors often advise newcomers to start their collection with a lucky silver dollar.
Liberty Coin & Currency specializes in rare coins and currency. We are a family-owned business located in Portland and Vancouver. We also buy gold, silver, diamonds, and jewelry. Visit us first for a free evaluation.
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