“Okay, okay mom. I have to go to school now,â€? Nicholas squirms out of his mother’s loving grasp and runs out through the screen door throwing it wide open.

Mrs. Flairs watches him run excitedly down the sidewalk from the living room window. She sighs and lays her head on the window. Nicholas will be ten soon.

Outside, the boy hurries along his usual path to school. He periodically opens his fist to check on the coin he had found. After a thorough washing last night, small letters were visible on the gold surface. Nicholas rubs his thumb over the letters. This coin is so awesome. I can’t wait to show everyone.

As he approaches the school he is able to distinguish his group of friends. They stand around in a circle talking about transformers and video games. Nicholas runs right up and pushes through two of his friends. He thrusts out his arm and opens his clenched fist.

“Look at this guys! I found it in my backyard. My mom says its European.â€? Nicholas declares.