I was taught that if you find a penny, it is a sign of good luck and I am superstitious. That 1943 penny worth $40,000 is waiting for me.
http://content.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,1913870_1913868_1913831,00.html
A penny found is as good as a penny earned.
I agree - finding a penny is good luck:)
Decades ago mom sent me to buy a loaf of bread at the baker - I was a penny short - they sent me home without the bread. Lesson learned!
I think of this every time I see a jar for pennies at the checkout or the cashier asks if I really want my one penny in change.
So, unless it looked gross somehow, I'd pick it up in toilet paper and then wash and pocket it.
But, I'd rather find that $100 bill on Miami Beach - floating in the water - yes, I did!
That $100 bill in the trash on the ground of a gas station - yes I did!
That crumpled mess of bills on the walkway on Clearwater beach. $69 - yes, I did!
I rarely find change, but I always pick it up - I always considered finding any change payback for that one penny that caused me such grief - eons ago:)
Based on that logic/irrational belief I have been rewarded handsomely.