Coin Collecting Merit Badge Requirements

7 Requirements Updated January 21, 2026 View Official Page ↗ Download Free Pamphlet ↓

Learn about coin minting, numismatic terminology, and collection storage methods. Explore U.S. Mint facilities and preservation techniques to earn this merit badge.

Requirements

  1. Copy link to requirement 1
    Understand how coins are made and where the active U. S. Mint facilities are located.
  2. Copy link to requirement 2
    Explain the following terms: obverse, reverse, reeding, clad, type set, and date set.
  3. Copy link to requirement 3
    Describe three different ways to store a collection, and the benefits, drawbacks, and cost of each method.
  4. Copy link to requirement 4
    Do the following and explain to your counselor the design features, designer name, designer initials, and where to find them for each item:
    1. Copy link to requirement 4.a
      Collect a one-cent coin from the year group: 1959-2008 (that is, dated between 1959 and 2008) and a one-cent coin from the year group 2010-present. Explain how and why the one-cent coins issued in 2009 were different from either of the other two year groups.
    2. Copy link to requirement 4.b
      Collect two five-cent coins, one from each of these year groups: 1959-2003 and 2006-present. Explain how and why the five-cent coins issued in 2004-2005 were different from either of the other two year groups.
    3. Copy link to requirement 4.c
      Collect a ten-cent coin from 1965-present.
    4. Copy link to requirement 4.d
      Collect a twenty-five-cent coin from 1965-1998, two examples from the 50-State Quarter® /territories Program 1999-2009, two designs from the America the Beautiful® program 2010-2021 and two designs from the American Woman Quarter® program (2022-2024). Explain the purpose of each of those programs.
    5. Copy link to requirement 4.e
      Collect a half dollar coin from 1965-present.
    6. Copy link to requirement 4.f
      Collect a dollar coin from the following design groups: Susan B. Anthony 1979-1981, 1999, Sacagawea 2000-2008, U. S. Presidents 2007-2016, 2020.
  5. Copy link to requirement 5
    Describe and discuss with your counselor the special reverse designs of the quarters, half dollar and dollar coin struck in 1975-1976 to honor the U. S. Bicentennial.
  6. Copy link to requirement 6
    Identify for your counselor the people depicted on current currency: $1, $2, $5, $10, $20, $50, and $100 notes. Explain where United States currency is printed.
  7. Copy link to requirement 7
    Do ONE of the following:
    1. Copy link to requirement 7.a
      Collect and identify for your counselor 20 different world coins from at least seven different countries. Identify the country, major design elements, and denomination of each.
    2. Copy link to requirement 7.b
      Collect and identify for your counselor 20 different world paper money from at least 7 different countries. Identify the country, major design elements, and denomination of each.
    3. Copy link to requirement 7.c
      Collect and identify for your counselor 20 different tokens and/or medals. Identify the issuer and use of each.
    4. Copy link to requirement 7.d
      Complete one of the following and report to your counselor what you experienced:
      1. Copy link to requirement 7.d.1
        Attend a coin show.
      2. Copy link to requirement 7.d.2
        Attend a coin club meeting.
      3. Copy link to requirement 7.d.3
        Tour a U. S. Mint facility or museum.
      4. Copy link to requirement 7.d.4
        Tour a virtual exhibit (with your parent or guardian’s permission) approved by your counselor.