Professor Layton and the Curious Village

Puzzle 041: Spare Change

Original diagram for Puzzle 041: Spare Change

Pull a loose rope straight through a scatter of coins and count the ones that end up above it.

Chapter
Chapter 3
Location
Northern Path · Gerard
Picarats
Sources disagree: 30 picarats in one, 10 (North America) / 30 (Europe) in the other.
Type
Write Answer
Region
Same in all versions
Hint 1: A gentle nudge. Tap to flip.
Hint 1

There's no trick to this one — it's careful bookkeeping. Imagine the rope already pulled into a straight line.

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Hint 2: The key idea. Unlocks after the previous card is flipped.
Hint 2

Trace the rope from one end to the other and note which side of it each coin sits on.

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Hint 3: Almost there. Unlocks after the previous card is flipped.
Hint 3

Shade the area that gets lifted above the rope as it straightens. Only coins inside it count, and there are fewer than you'd think.

Tap to flip back
Answer: See the answer. Unlocks after the previous card is flipped.
Answer

The answer is 9 coins.

Tap to flip back
Solution, FAQ and sources

Solution

Follow the rope from one end to the other and mark which side of it each coin lies on. When the rope is pulled tight, everything on the upper side of its path ends up above it.

Counting the coins on that side gives **9**. (This one can only be checked against the picture, so take your time with the tracing.)

About this puzzle

A rope is threaded loosely around a scattering of coins. When you pull both ends of the rope out to the sides, it straightens and shoves every coin either above or below it. You keep only the coins that end up above the rope. How many do you get?

Unofficial fan guide, not affiliated with LEVEL-5. Puzzle description, hints and solution written by Hint by Hint.

Similar puzzles: Puzzle 042: The Camera and Case, Puzzle 045: Puzzled Aliens, Puzzle 037: Brother and Sister, Puzzle 032: Candy Jars

All Professor Layton and the Curious Village puzzles

FAQ

What is the answer to Puzzle 041, Spare Change, in Professor Layton and the Curious Village?

The answer is 9 coins.

Where do you find Puzzle 041 in Curious Village?

Puzzle 041 appears in Chapter 3, in the Northern Path area, when you talk to Gerard.

How many picarats is Curious Village Puzzle 041 worth?

Sources disagree: 30 picarats in one, 10 (North America) / 30 (Europe) in the other.

Sources

Facts checked on November 14, 2026

Unofficial fan guide. Not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by LEVEL-5 Inc. Professor Layton, The New World of Steam, and all related names, characters, and trademarks are the property of their respective owners.