Millions of coins are thrown into famous fountains around the world each year, with places like the Trevi Fountain in Rome estimated to collect about €1.5 million annually. Mario Van Poppel, the founder of Leftover Currency, a travel money firm, explained that the tradition of throwing coins into fountains dates back generations. Once the fountains are no longer crowded with tourists, the collected money is retrieved.
The fate of these coins is surprisingly positive as they are often donated to charity or used for the maintenance of the fountain. In the case of the Trevi Fountain, the proceeds go to the Roman Catholic charity Caritas, supporting projects like soup kitchens and homeless shelters. The coins left in smaller fountains may remain there for extended periods, contributing to the upkeep of the fountain itself.
It is a longstanding tradition to toss coins into water bodies as a gesture believed to bring good luck or fulfil wishes. While Rome’s Trevi Fountain is the most iconic location for this custom, it is practised at various sites globally. For instance, the Bellagio lake in Las Vegas and Disneyland in Florida also collect significant amounts annually, donating the proceeds to charitable causes.
However, not all fountains permit coin tosses, like the 9/11 memorial in New York where visitors are discouraged from doing so. Coins left in water for prolonged periods can deteriorate, especially those made of copper or nickel. Leftover Currency specialises in exchanging foreign coins and obsolete currencies, ensuring that the money is cleaned, sorted, and repurposed for practical use.
The act of tossing coins into fountains remains a symbol of hope and goodwill, resonating with people seeking blessings or positive outcomes. Despite the monetary value, the tradition carries sentimental significance for many who partake in this practice around the world.