Two Up & The Cup -

“Since 1966 we’ve accumulated a vast number of ‘used’ coins. To exploit this glut, I decided to publish a four page booklet on two-up after it was legalised. In the booklet I included two used pennies and such an interest was generated that I decided to write a book about it.

In fact, when Alan Bond lost his first two races in the America’s Cup finals, I decided he needed a good luck charm. I sent him one of the booklets with two special pennies inside with the following note attached:

Dear Alan,

These two pennies are from a set that a bloke did 13 heads with. They’ve overcome odds of 8,192 to 1. They’re greater odds than what you have to overcome. I suggest you carry them on board for good luck.

Regards,

Danny Sheehan.

I simply addressed it to Alan Bond C/- Australia II, Newport, Rhode Island. USA.

The crew did carry them on board. Australia’s luck did change and the rest is history. Perhaps the lucky set of pennies and the winged keel proved too much for the desperate Americans.

Heads and Tails by Danny Sheehan.
This book is sadly out of print but it is a great read. If you find a copy in an op-shop (like I did) or can find one in your local libraray, I suggest you give it a read.

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