Coin Facts

Gold-wrapped chocolate coins commemorate St Nicholas who gave bags of gold coins to the poor.

When a coin is tossed, it doesn't land heads exactly 50% of the time. Research shows a slight bias, primarily because a coin is more likely to land on the side that was facing up when it was tossed, with about a 51% chance for that initial side. While the 'heads' side often has a more intricate design and is slightly heavier, this weight difference has a more pronounced effect when a coin is *spun* (leading to more tails) than when it is *flipped*.

The Mint once considered producing doughnut-shaped coins!

If you flip a coin ten times, the odds against its coming up with the same side showing each time are 1,023 to 1.

A quarter has 119 grooves on its edge, a dime has one less groove!

During the Civil War, the United States issued 5-cent paper bills because people were hoarding coins made of precious metals.

Japanese macaques have learned to collect coins dropped by tourists and have been observed inserting them into vending machines, though researchers believe they're mimicking human behavior rather than understanding the transaction.

The 1 yen coin can be used as a weight, because it weighs exactly one gram. Also, it can float on water.

A couple that were out walking on their property in Sierra Nevada discovered a canister containing $10 million in gold coins.

In 2001, the island country of Niue featured Pikachu and other Pokemon on their currency.