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

Requirements
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Copy link to requirement 1Understand how coins are made and where the active U. S. Mint facilities are located.
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Copy link to requirement 2Explain the following terms: obverse, reverse, reeding, clad, type set, and date set.
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Copy link to requirement 3Describe three different ways to store a collection, and the benefits, drawbacks, and cost of each method.
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Copy link to requirement 4Do the following and explain to your counselor the design features, designer name, designer initials, and where to find them for each item:
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Copy link to requirement 4.aCollect 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.
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Copy link to requirement 4.bCollect 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.
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Copy link to requirement 4.cCollect a ten-cent coin from 1965-present.
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Copy link to requirement 4.dCollect 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.
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Copy link to requirement 4.eCollect a half dollar coin from 1965-present.
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Copy link to requirement 4.fCollect a dollar coin from the following design groups: Susan B. Anthony 1979-1981, 1999, Sacagawea 2000-2008, U. S. Presidents 2007-2016, 2020.
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Copy link to requirement 4.a
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Copy link to requirement 5Describe 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.
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Copy link to requirement 6Identify 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.
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Copy link to requirement 7Do ONE of the following:
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Copy link to requirement 7.aCollect 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.
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Copy link to requirement 7.bCollect 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.
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Copy link to requirement 7.cCollect and identify for your counselor 20 different tokens and/or medals. Identify the issuer and use of each.
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Copy link to requirement 7.dComplete one of the following and report to your counselor what you experienced:
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Copy link to requirement 7.d.1Attend a coin show.
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Copy link to requirement 7.d.2Attend a coin club meeting.
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Copy link to requirement 7.d.3Tour a U. S. Mint facility or museum.
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Copy link to requirement 7.d.4Tour a virtual exhibit (with your parent or guardian’s permission) approved by your counselor.
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Copy link to requirement 7.d.1
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Copy link to requirement 7.a