The story of the Greek Orthodox custom of the Vasilopita with the lucky coin inside, begins in Asia Minor, and more specifically in the city of Caesarea in Cappadocia, more than 1600 years ago. This was during the time when Basil the Great; who later became a Saint, was Bishop of Caesarea.
The story of the lucky coin in the Vasilopita originates from the time the prefect of Cappadocia; a true tyrant, asked for all the treasures of the city of Caesarea to be delivered to him, otherwise he would besiege the city to conquer and loot it.
