Ever since I was a kid, I’ve wondered about what happens to coins that are thrown into water fountains. Countless people all around the world toss coins into fountains to make wishes and for good luck. Why, there’s even a 1954 movie that showcases the custom (Three Coins in the Fountain, anyone?).
I always thought coins that have been tossed into a fountain are pretty much left there. After all, they represent people’s wishes, right?
Well, I did some research on this topic, because I started getting curious after I noticed that fountains into which I had previously tossed coins looked a little less “cluttered” with coins than I had recalled. Hmm… “Are the coins removed?” I wondered.