Lucky symbol: lucky penny – found money = moment of luck!

Name : Lucky penny
Description : coin that you randomly find outside
Country of origin : probably the UK

You know that magical feeling when you suddenly see a shiny coin lying on the street? Ever since I saw the movie Grease, I can't ignore it anymore. "See a penny, pick it up. All day long you'll have good luck!"

By the way, this fascination for 'treasure hunting' on the streets runs in the family. My old grandfather was also a master at it - during his daily walks with dog Floris he always searched the ground. And what did that man not find! He had a special talent to make something special even from the most ordinary. For example, he transformed an ordinary tab of a coke can (when they were still loose!) into a small miracle.

Whether I’m grocery shopping, running for the train, or just taking a walk – my eyes always scan the ground. Because a little extra luck on your path never hurts, right?! The funny thing is that this habit is actually much more than just picking up a coin. It reminds me to appreciate the little moments of happiness in life. Happiness really is in the smallest things.

But where does this special superstition actually come from? And why does that little copper coin continue to fascinate us so much? You can read it here.

Where does the lucky penny superstition come from?

The idea that coins bring good luck has been around for centuries. In many ancient cultures, coins were seen as a symbol of protection and prosperity. For example, the Celts believed that metal objects had magical powers, and in the Middle Ages, it was thought that coins could protect you from evil spirits.

The expression "See a penny, pick it up. All day long you'll have good luck." is especially popular in English-speaking countries and probably dates back to the time when copper pennies were actually worth something. An extra cent could make all the difference!

Also read 👉 Lucky Symbol 01: Maneki Neko - Japan's Lucky Cat

Head up? Bingo!

Did you know that originally not every coin brings luck? According to superstition, it only works if the coin is facing up. Do you see the coin with the head up? Bingo! Then it is a sign of luck. But if it is facing up with the tail side (the tail), then it could bring bad luck... In that case, you better turn it over and leave it for the next fortune seeker.

I found this last year in Portobello Road Market - London, head up :)

Lucky pennies and other rituals

Besides picking up a found coin, there are more fun lucky traditions surrounding this coin:

• Put a coin in your shoe
  According to an old custom, a penny in your shoe is said to bring you prosperity and luck, especially on your wedding day!
• Give a coin as a gift
  Some people give a penny with a gift. This is supposed to ensure that the recipient will never run out of money.
• Keep a lucky coin in your wallet
  Keeping a lucky penny/coin in your wallet is said to attract financial prosperity. Sounds like an easy way to give your bank account a boost in the right direction, right?

Lucky penny in everyday life

While we may not all believe in magic, a small ritual like picking up a coin can have a positive effect. It reminds you to notice the little joys and to be aware of the positivity around you. Maybe the coin doesn’t bring the jackpot, but who knows, it might bring you an unexpected windfall or just a nice day.

So... do you see a penny lying around? Then you know what to do! 😉

💬 Tell us, are you also someone who always picks up coins? Or do you have another lucky symbol that you believe in? Let us know in the comments!