Ben Franklin said “a penny saved is a penny earned.” Is that why kids and adults were tossing pennies on his tombstone?

Located on the corner of 5th and Arch, Christ Church Burial Ground is the final resting place for Ben Franklin, as well as other important historical figures, including four other signers of the Declaration. This includes Francis Hopkinson from New Jersey, who is actually credited with designing the American Flag that Betsy Ross would eventually sew.

As a result of overflow, Christ Church had bought 2 acres of land in 1719 in what was then, the outskirts of Philadelphia in order to keep the tradition of burying their loyal parishioners on Church grounds. It’s impossible to tell from a glance that over 4,000 men and women are buried within these walls and even harder to see many of the tombstones due to years of acid rain from the numerous factories that once occupied the neighborhood.

One of the most famous “silent stones” is Charles Mason, of the historic Mason-Dixon Line whom they know is buried somewhere inside the cemetery. But going back to why people throw loose change on top of Franklin ’s tomb. This isn’t much of a secret. It was simply one way for people to show their respect for this elder statesman. And the people at Christ Church certainly don’t mind the attention because all monies go to supporting the burial ground. In fact, they would be more than thrilled if anyone tossed some bills on the stone, preferably ones that feature his picture.
5th & Arch, Philadelphia, PA
(215) 922-1695
www.christchurchphila.org

Christ Church Burial Ground

Admission $2 adults/ $1 students
10AM-4PM Weather Permitting