I read many years ago in a credible source that I can no longer remember the name of, that it was customary for a coin to be placed in a deceased person's mouth as
part of the preparation of the body for the funeral and afterlife. The coin was for payment to Charon, the ferryman who took the departed across the River Styx into Hades.
In a couple of popular movies, such as, I believe,
Troy, coins were placed on the eyes of the person on the funeral pyre. I have no idea if this has any relation to
history or is just a Hollywood device. And, of course I am sure that various places
had various customs regarding funeral rituals.
Anyone have more information on this topic or can point me to some authoritative sources?
Thanks,
Virgil