The prophet Elijah asked a young man whether he prefered 7 good years when old or when young. His wife advised him to ask for 7 prosperous years when young for if he acted charitably during that period of prosperity it might be prolonged. Elijah gave him a lucky dinar and he prospered for 7 years. The prophet then called for it and he produced it at the end of the 7 years, with an account of his charitable deeds. The lucky dinar was therefore allowed to remain with him and he and his wife prospered till old age.
The Lucky Dinar and the Wife Who Chose the Right Years
Gaster, Exempla No. 317