A PENNY FOR YOUR THOUGHTS
Did you ever wonder where the phrase a penny for your thoughts came from? The penny had been used in England for centuries. John Heywood is credited with penning this phrase in 1537. He was a writer, a contemporary of William Shakespeare. When he wrote this line, pennies were silver. Of significant greater value. Just like that phrase the penny’s value has changed with time. Now it costs more to produce pennies than their value.
Gradually pennies will be trivia fodder. Let’s explore this Lost Penny Day while it still has meaning. The final blanks were sent to the mint last year. On November 12, 2025, the last pennies for circulation were produced by the US Mint.
WHY THE TWELFTH
Lost Penny Day falls on February 12th each year, coinciding with Abraham Lincoln’s birthday. He was born in 1809. The penny went through several variations, the last being the current. The Lincoln penny was designed in observance of the 100th anniversary of his birth in 1909.
MEET THE CREATOR
This holiday was created by Adrienne Sioux Koopersmith in 1995. She calls herself an Eventologist. Having created over 1900 holidays I think she has earned this title. It’s not a national holiday but it can be a fun one. When Ms. Koopersmith was working to make this a holiday she acknowledged they aren’t worth much individually. Which is true but they do add up. Ask anyone who has cashed in a large assortment of change. It can add up to dollars to buy something fun or be given to charity.
SEE A PENNY…
Pennies are not the smallest coin in size, but they are the smallest in value. Because of their darker color, they often get lost in purses and pockets. When dropped on the ground they are easily overlooked. Their lower value also contributes to people not necessarily noticing nor searching for them. But there was a time I treasured every penny I found.
…PICK IT UP
Finding a penny when I was a kid made me happy. Not only is that my name, but penny candy still existed. There was a large case of penny candy at the small Ma & Pa grocery store near my home. The sweet tinkling of the bell rang as I entered. It wasn’t the only sweet thing. My eyes went directly to my left. On it was an assortment of boxes and glass jars with a variety of candies, not the penny kind. The glass case next to it was my destination. That’s where the penny candy was found. I’d ponder which treats to splurge on. I’d watch the ancient man or woman place the pieces in a paper bag. Then I’d moved back to the counter where they’d ring me up. A bell rang there too when I exchanged my coins for that bag of treats.
…HAVE GOOD LUCK
I would be saying the rhyme in my head as I found a penny on the ground. I felt lucky. I’d know a visit to the candy store was in my future. That was good luck in my world.
This idea of good luck was built on superstition, cultural beliefs and tradition. In some cultures, metal objects were thought to have protective qualities. They were thought to ward off evil and so finding a penny was taken as good fortune. And at one time the penny did have significant value.
Some people believe your good luck is predetermined by the side facing up. Heads up is good, tails up is bad. I read some people would flip them and leave the found penny for the next person. I never paid attention to the side up facing. Not superstitious but I do now practice the second verse.
GIVE THAT PENNY TO A FRIEND
When I learned the second verse after my candy store days, I gladly adopted it. Friends are valuable, a true treasure. I recognized that then and found it grows more important as we age. My card hobby started because I loved selecting cards for friends and family. My blogs focus on the value of friendship.
YOUR GOOD LUCK WILL NEVER END
Friends support us, cheer us on and make us laugh. In the future we won’t be passing on found pennies but that won’t be the end of friendships. There are other ways we get to connect. Follow my blog to see earlier holiday experiences explored.
Face-to-face contact with family and friends is the best. In today’s world that isn’t always possible. While modern approaches are available, a handwritten note or card says much more. More thought, time and effort have been spent in procuring. Or something about the card has significance to the two of you. It’s a way to celebrate and show your love when you can’t physically be there with them.
IN FOR A PENNY IN FOR A POUND
Discovering lost pennies is a simple pleasure. We can use it to find happiness in everyday moments. It can also be used to build connections with friends and family. And teach us to look for other small gestures that can create meaningful experiences. Remarkable how much joy a penny can bring.
I’m curious if you knew of Lost Penny Day. Have you heard this rhyme? If you pick up lost pennies, do you follow the practice of giving them to a friend? Happy hunting this Lost Penny Day!
Paper Crafted Bliss 