Now most of us just write a check when we pay our “fair” share, but the Capones once paid off Uncle Sam with millions of pennies. When the government hit up Al for fines and court costs related to his tax evasion conviction, his brother Ralph “Bottles” Capone picked up the tab. He arrived at the courthouse with two cargo vans loaded with bags full of pennies.

The Feds had no choice but to accept the legal tender and count 4,700,000 pennies, one Abe Lincoln at a time. I have a feeling that the government’s response would not be suitable for printing, but the Capones probably laughed all the way “from” the bank. I found this story in a book I highly recommend, Uncle Al Capone written by his grand-niece, Deirdre Marie Capone. You can read the entire book review on our website.

They call me Chicago Kenny and I conduct historical tours of Chicago. Like our Facebook page in the link below and stay informed about our upcoming tours, road trips and events!