The tradition of leaving coins, especially pennies, on veterans' graves carries a significant meaning as a gesture of remembrance and respect.

Here's a breakdown of what the different coins signify:

Penny: Means the visitor simply stopped by to pay their respects.
Nickel: Indicates that the visitor attended boot camp with the deceased veteran.
Dime: Suggests that the visitor and the deceased veteran served together in some capacity.
Quarter: Holds the deepest meaning, indicating that the visitor was present when the veteran died.

History and significance:

This custom in the United States gained particular prominence during the Vietnam War. Amidst the political divisions and controversies surrounding the war, leaving a coin became a practical and respectful way for individuals to acknowledge a fallen soldier without initiating potentially uncomfortable conversations with the grieving family about the war itself. Some Vietnam veterans even left coins as a symbolic "down payment" for a drink or a game of cards they hoped to share with their fallen comrades in the afterlife.

While the immediate motivation of avoiding political discussion may be less prevalent today, the tradition continues to be a meaningful gesture. It's a way to quietly express appreciation for the sacrifices made by veterans and to let their families know that their loved one is not forgotten.

What happens to the coins?

In national and state veterans cemeteries, the coins left on headstones are collected by cemetery staff, according to Montana.gov. These funds are then used for cemetery maintenance, such as grounds upkeep and covering burial costs for indigent veterans. It's important to note that a separate type of coin, the "challenge coin" – a medallion bearing a unit's insignia – may also be left as a mark of the highest respect and is usually not collected.