I think all of this interesting information would make a wonderful story AKA the Elm Creek Stories. Wish I was a writer I would steal you tale and turn it into a best selling novel. :)

Well, I guess most interesting would be if she decides to open the quilt to see if it is a coin; then she could certainly date the quilt (circa) by the date on the coin. Seems like the coin has been in the quilt a long, long time and hasn't hurt or damaged the quilt any. I think it's a pretty cool idea to add a coin to a quilt.

From what my grandmother told me, yes, coins could be added for good luck. I have also been told that sometimes coins were added as a bit of weight to weigh a part of the fabric down in certain styles of clothing. However, seeing that there are not coins in all four corners, it is unlikely that this is the reason. I suspect, as many of you do, that it was a sweet, sentimental gesture! What a delightful intrigue!

CPfrog
I was going to tell my story about a coin taped to a knife that is a gift. My boss gave me one and I did not know what the penny was all about so she told me.

I read in one of my books that a penny was put into the quilt so that the quilt could be dated. Actually, a good idea. I'd worry about the penny making a hole in the quilt with use.