It's New Year's morning and the quarter I popped into 2 of these vasilopites before baking them was nowhere to be found. UPDATE: Found the lucky coin the other day. And good thing, too! I thought I ate it.
The tradition not only has an interesting history, but is even more anticipated in Greek kitchens than the libations of the night before.
Each portion is cut for different things. The first piece is always for Jesus, but subsequent pieces are for the family, your house, etc. Whoever gets the coin keeps it for good luck.
It dates back to the 4th Century when St. Basil the Great, it is said, hid coins in the bread for the poor, a dignified way of surprising them in celebration of the new year.
Have a great 2017!