Is taking money from a fountain illegal?
Matthew Wilson
Updated on April 24, 2026
Consequently, what happens to the money in fountains?
All that money has to go somewhere Throwing spare change into a fountain is a time-honored ritual: throw a penny into the water, and your wish might come true. Depending on where a fountain is and who owns it, the coins collected can go to all sorts of different places—from fountain upkeep to charity or public service.
Beside above, how much money is collected from the Trevi Fountain? An estimated 3,000 euros are thrown into the fountain each day. In 2016, an estimated €1.4 million (US$1.5 million) was thrown into the fountain. The money has been used to subsidize a supermarket for Rome's needy; however, there are regular attempts to steal coins from the fountain, even though it is illegal to do so.
Also asked, is it bad luck to take coins from a fountain?
5. Throwing coins in a fountain. Dropping coins into bodies of water started as a way to thank the gods for the gift of clean water and ask for good health. Saying a prayer when you tossed the coin eventually evolved into the modern-day practice of throwing money into wishing wells and fountains.
What do malls do with Fountain money?
For the most part, money collected from privately-owned fountains in the United States also goes to charity. The fountain in New York City's Bryant Park is owned and operated by a non-profit corporation, which puts the cash collected by cleaners towards the fountain's own upkeep.
Related Question Answers
What does a wishing well symbolize?
A wishing well is a term from European folklore to describe wells where it was thought that any spoken wish would be granted. The idea that a wish would be granted came from the notion that water housed deities or had been placed there as a gift from the gods.Where did the wishing well come from?
A wishing well is a term from European folklore to describe wells where it was thought that any spoken wish would be granted. The idea that a wish would be granted came from the notion that water housed deities or had been placed there as a gift from the gods.What coins are considered lucky?
The Five Luckiest Coins in the World- The Five Luckiest Coins. Legends all over the world cast coins not only as forms of currency, but as good luck charms as well.
- Leap Year Mercury Dime (U.S)
- Silver Sixpence (Great Britain)
- Five-Yen Coin (Japan)
- Feng Shui Coins (China)
- Silver Dollars (U.S.)