A question of ethics.

Different times, and a different situation altogether.

 

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Different times yes, but different situation? I don't see how a fountain at a private location and a donation kettle are much different. Both of them you freely donate money to in order to make yourself feel good. If the fountain had a sign posted that proceeds were donated to charity, (I have seen such signs), change your mind its a different situation?

 

The times notwithstanding, it's actually a remarkably similar situation to the original hypothetical.

Why would it be different to take a Morgan out of a Salvation Army kettle rather than a fountain?

 

I'm thinking of that episode of "All In The Family" where Edith continuously gets her 25 cent rebate week after week and didn't know what to do, so she kept them all in a little sack. I can't remember the exact dollar amount, but it was a bunch of extra money, and Archie bought a new TV, and as it was being delivered and set up he learned that Edith had given the money back. Or something like that...

 

It would be different if it were for charity. The money thrown in mall fountains are not for charity. It's just something to occupy the kids. The mall I go to has these fountains. They also have those charity buckets where you drop the coin and they spin around and around until they land in the hole in the middle.

 

Brilliant!

 

I probably would take it and replace it. Though if I didn't have the money I would probably just take it. Might come back later with more than a buck to give in because I more than likely know the money is going to something meaningful.

Unless there is a known fisher.
http://articles.cnn.com/2002-07-31/...foreign-coins-roberto-cercelletta?_s=PM:WORLD

 

You guys takin' the coins are messin' with Karma. Plucking coins out of a 'wish' laden fountain is going beyond any moral issue. Those coins were thrown into the fountain with peoples hopes, dreams and wishes, wants and whims. Don't underestimate the power of a spiritual sense. Maybe someone tossed a coin in hoping his ailing grandmother would recover from a vigorous form of cancer. Another coin could have been tossed in by a guy wishing to meet the women of his dreams. Still another could have been the wish for a better world. It ain't Kosher to break the thread of wishes, and by snatching coins from a wish laden fountain you break that thread and bring ill upon yourself. Ain't worth it brethren. This is beyond ethics.......


Oh dear. One too many bourbons?

 

Hypothetically...I'd take it and throw it beyond easy reach, but still within sight...if you're really looking. Hopefully someplace really cool, like onto a ledge near a waterfall.

 

Interesting thought. Are you saying it is ok, or at least less wrong, to steal from somebody who is going to spend the money on non-charitable endeavors? That it is worse to steal money that has been earmarked for charity than stealing other kinds of property?

 

I would take the Morgan, leaving it in the fountain may damage the coin.

But seriously, I'm not too sure I would wade into a fountain for one. But who's to say that if someone who knew about coins saw a Morgan clearly dated 1895, would not walk into it and take it?

Oh and I have seen homeless people reaching in for coins before. So there you go...

 

It has been a whole day since I last posted on this thread. :rollling:

The physical location of the fountain is important if you are talking about found treasure.

In the UK found treasure would be the Queen's property. I wonder what size fountain is required for maritime salvage law to apply....

Also, unless the circulating water is treated, it can contain high concentrations of things like legionella. Referring to my original post, I'd leave it & not mess with Karma. Besides, it was probably a fake from China (sour grapes).