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What coin is good luck?

Coins have long been associated with good fortune in cultures around the world. Certain coins are believed to be luckier than others, either because of their physical attributes, scarcity, or significance in folklore and history. When it comes to identifying the luckiest coins, there are a few top contenders.

The Sixpence

One coin renowned for its luck is the British sixpence. The sixpence was a silver coin, first minted in the 16th century during the reign of Edward VI. It remained in circulation until decimalization in 1971. The sixpence features an image of a thistle on the reverse side – this is the national flower of Scotland.

There are a few reasons why the sixpence is considered lucky:

  • Finding a sixpence – It has long been believed that finding a sixpence, particularly one minted in a year of importance to the finder, foretells a future of good fortune.
  • The sixpence in wedding cakes – A tradition holds that placing a sixpence in the wedding cake brings wealth to the newly married couple.
  • Gifts for godchildren – Sixpences were traditionally given as good luck gifts to godchildren for their christening.

So deeply ingrained is the sixpence’s lucky legacy that replica sixpences continue to be sold today as talismans and are still commonly placed in wedding cakes.

The 1943 Steel Penny

While most pennies are worth just a few cents, one version stands out: the 1943 steel penny. This rare coin fetches thousands of dollars at auction because only a handful were ever minted.

Here’s some background on the 1943 steel penny:

  • In 1943, copper was crucial to the WWII war effort. To conserve copper for military use, the U.S. Mint began producing pennies from zinc-coated steel rather than copper.
  • A few copper pennies from 1943 slipped past undetected. These 1943 “copper” pennies are extremely rare, with an estimated 40 ever finding their way into circulation.
  • The scarcity and origins of the 1943 steel penny have contributed to its mythical status among coin collectors and history buffs.

Discovering a 1943 steel penny, especially in circulation, is regarded as remarkably good luck.

The Crooked Sixpence

In British folklore, a final coin renowned for its luck is the crooked sixpence. This is a sixpence that has been bent or misshapen in some way.

Legends around crooked sixpences go back centuries with claims that:

  • Carrying a crooked sixpence wards off evil.
  • A crooked sixpence minted in your birth year brings protection.
  • A sailor with a crooked sixpence will return safely from sea.

It was also considered good luck to give a crooked sixpence as a gift to a close friend or family member setting out on a journey.

Coins from Other Cultures

While British and American coins have their share of lucky legends, other cultures also have coins endowed with good fortune:

  • Mexican Cinco Pesos – The 1947 cinco pesos depicting Cuauhtémoc, the last Aztec emperor, is considered a good luck charm for prosperity.
  • Chinese I Ching Coins – These coins printed with Chinese characters are used in divination and feng shui to attract wealth and success.
  • Japanese 5 Yen Coin – The five yen coin featuring a rice stalk is exchanged as a symbol of blessings and health.
  • Dutch Silver Ducats – These silver coins, dating back to the 17th century, are gifted in the Netherlands for good luck.

This is just a sampling – lucky coins that harness folklore and history can be found across many cultures worldwide.

What Makes a Coin Lucky?

What turns an ordinary coin into a good luck charm? Here are some of the key factors:

  • Rarity – Uncommon coins like the 1943 steel penny achieve their lucky mystique partly through scarcity.
  • Origins – Coins tied to significant eras like major wars are endowed with meaning beyond their face value.
  • Traditions – Coins incorporated into customs like weddings and births take on deeper resonance.
  • Symbolism – Images and text on coins, like silver content or national symbols, contribute to their aura of good fortune.

Coins that bring together this blend of attributes transform into more than just money – they become lucky talismans.

Do Lucky Coins Really Bring Good Fortune?

Of course, there is no scientific evidence that certain coins attract wealth or opportunity. Yet, the concept of lucky coins endures.

In reality, much of the magic of lucky coins amounts to the placebo effect and confirmation bias. When people strongly believe an object will make them lucky, they notice more positive outcomes they associate with it and discount evidence to the contrary. However, this doesn’t fully explain lucky coins’ persistent appeal.

Some other reasons lucky coins remain meaningful:

  • They connect us to history and folklore.
  • They represent hope during uncertain times.
  • They provide comfort through rituals and routines.
  • They symbolize what we wish for ourselves and others.

Lucky coins’ ability to channel cultural tradition, family bonds, personal dreams, and existential hope is what makes them far more than the sum of their metal content. For many people worldwide, lucky coins’ luck lies in their power to touch the human spirit.

Conclusion

Coins from the sixpence to the steel penny have rich histories of bringing their holders good fortune. While there is no proof lucky coins objectively generate luck, their longevity speaks to their deeper meaning. More than their monetary or metal value, they represent hope, connections, tradition, and the yearning for a charmed life. For those seeking a lucky charm, clutching a coin steeped in legend can offer a sense of wonder and possibility. Ultimately, what makes a coin lucky is the power we give it to stir the imagination.