A buddy and I painted Bings farmhouse in Salisbury, Ct when we were much younger. Never got to see him but it's a bit of history for me.
Maybe the fortune cookie referred to so called "tribute pennies"? If that's the case, I see a nice denarius of Augustus and one of Tiberius in your immediate future.
I don't collect non-US coins but would love to have one featuring Winston Churchill, one of my favorite historical figures. Any suggestions from you UK collectors?
1965 crown with Churchill reverse. https://www.ngccoin.com/price-guide/world/great-britain-crown-km-910-1965-cuid-43138-duid-123943
Here are a few. there are many put out buy the Isle of man, Falkland and others. Ebay is full of em. Some Copper/nickel and some silver based on your wants.