Ranald’s Coin is a curious golden disk stamped on both sides with the face of a laughing youth. It has appeared many times over the centuries, and almost always with disastrous consequences. Once gained, the person has unbelievable luck, but everyone around him seems to suffer. Those who don’t rid themselves of this strange item eventually find themselves murdered by those around them—an act that perhaps signals the end of Ranald’s favour.[1a]