Introduction to Coins
Learn about U.S. coins, including their design, value, weight, composition, and explore the different parts of a coin.
Parts of a Coin
Every coin has an obverse (heads) and a reverse (tails). Each coin includes details such as the year it was made and a “mint mark” from the Mint facility that made the coin. The Mint has six facilities across the country.
- Resource: About the Mint
- Resource: Parts of a Coin
- Map: U.S. Mint Locations
- Game: Making Change
- Activity: Design Your Own Coin
- Resource: Coin Specifications table (U.S. Mint website)
- Resource: What Coins Are Made Of
Coin Types
Learn about the coins that we use every day as money: penny, nickel, dime, and quarter.
- Resource: Penny, Nickel, Dime, Quarter
- Activity Plan: An Introduction to Coins (Grades K-2)
- Activity: Printable Coin Coloring Pages
Coin Games
Play one of the Mint’s free online kids games:
- Counting With Coins: Practice identifying coins and adding and subtracting money in a fun grocery store setting.
- Coin Flip: Discover new and classic U.S. coins by earning achievements and unlocking new coins.
- Coin Memory Match: Match coin designs from the America the Beautiful Quarters Program, which features U.S. national parks and historic sites.
- Coin Stamper: Produce as many coins as you can and learn about circulating coins along the way.
Financial Literacy
Learn about spending and saving and the cost of fun.
- Activity: Cents-able Shopping
Coin Collecting
Coin Making
Understand how U.S. coins are made and where Mint facilities are located.
- Resource: Life of a Coin
- Video: How Coins are Made… For Kids
- Map: U.S. Mint Locations
- Video: Making Coins
- Podcast: Million Bazillion, How is Money Made?
Coin Collecting Terms
Explain coin collecting terms, including obverse and reverse, reeding, uncirculated, and proof.
- Resource: Parts of a Coin
- Resource: Coin Glossary
- Resource: Coin Finishes
Caring For Your Coin Collection
Understand how to store and care for a coin collection.
- Resource: Get Started Collecting Coins
Coin Programs
Describe the Mint’s circulating coin programs.
- Resource: America the Beautiful Quarters® Program (2010-2021)
- Resource: 50 State Quarters Program (1999-2008)
- Resource: Lincoln Bicentennial One Cent Program (2009)
- Resource: Westward Journey Nickel Series (2004-2005)
Mint Tours
Tour a U.S. Mint facility either virtually or in-person.
- Mobile App: U.S. Mint Virtual Tour Philadelphia
- Video: Philadelphia Mint
- Resource: Visit the Philadelphia or Denver Mints (U.S. Mint website)
Additional Information
- Resource: U.S. Mint website
Paper Money
The U.S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) prints paper money. Learn more at www.moneyfactory.gov.