In a previous paper published in 1943, Feldman interpreted a 'typical dream': finding coins in unlimited quantities in the sand. The sand stands for the earth in which we are all buried after death and from which we came. The dream thought expresses the wish that the earth be the source of life alone and not of life and death. The unlimited coins symbolize the endless life of the dreamer.

Since then, Feldman has had further opportunities to investigate this type of dream and has come to the conclusion that the dream has certain variations; the coins may be found elsewhere than in sand; other things may take the place of coins. The coins or their substitutes represent not only life but also imperishable, indestructible infantile and later wishes which have been repressed to be released as new discoveries in the dream.