Coin Collecting Merit Badge Requirements and Guide 2025

The Coin Collecting Merit Badge is an engaging and educational way for you to explore the fascinating world of coins and currency. Designed for young collectors between the ages of 11 and 17, the badge requires you to demonstrate their knowledge of how coins are made, the history of U.S. coinage, and the techniques used to grade and store coins. you must also collect and identify various coins from different U.S. mints and programs, including the iconic 50-State Quarter program.

The first step in earning the badge involves understanding the minting process. This includes learning about the materials used in coin production, such as copper and zinc, and the various stages in creating a coin—from the creation of metal ingots to the final stamping of designs. You also introduced to U.S. mint facilities in Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco, where coins are produced, and the concept of mintmarks.

The badge also dives deep into the terminology of coin collecting. You will need to understand terms such as “obverse” (the front of the coin), “reverse” (the back), and “reeded edge” (the textured edge of certain coins). Learning these key concepts is essential for beginning a coin collection and provides a solid foundation for understanding both U.S. and world coins.

With hands-on requirements, like collecting specific coins and attending coin-related events, you will gain practical experience and a deeper appreciation for this timeless hobby.

Coin Collecting Merit Badge Requirements

1. Understand how coins are made and where the active U.S. Mint facilities are located.

2. Explain the following terms: obverse, reverse, reeding, clad, type set, date set.

3. Describe three different ways to store a collection, and the benefits, drawbacks, and cost of each method.

4. Do the following and explain to your counselor the design features, designer name, designer initials, and where to find them for each item:
(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.

(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.

(c) Collect a ten-cent coin from 1965-present.

(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 2012-2021 and two designs from the American Woman Quarter® program (2022-2024). Explain the purpose of each of those programs.

(e) Collect a half dollar coin from 1965-present.

(f) Collect a dollar coin from the following design groups: Susan B. Anthony 1979-81, Sacagawea 1990-2005, U.S. Presidents 2000-2014.

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. 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. Do ONE of the following:
(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.

(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.

(c) Collect and identify for your counselor 20 different tokens and/or medals. Identify the issuer and use of each.

(d) Complete one of the following and report to your counselor what you experienced:
(1) Attend a coin show.
(2) Attend a coin club meeting.
(3) Tour a U.S. Mint facility or museum.
(4) Tour a virtual exhibit (with your parent or guardian’s permission) approved by your counselor.

Coin Collecting Merit Badge Worksheet Download

To start off your journey into coin collecting, it’s essential to understand how coins are made and where the U.S. Mint facilities are located. This is the first step, and I’ll break it down in a way that’s simple and easy to follow, using some cool facts that will help you appreciate how coins are created.

How Are Coins Made?

Coins aren’t just some shiny discs we find in our pockets; there’s a whole process behind them! Here’s how it works:

The Materials: Coins are made from metals, and these metals come in different combinations. For example, dimes, quarters, half dollars, and dollar coins are made with a core of copper, which is then covered with a thin layer of copper-nickel. Cents, since 1982, have been made with a core of zinc, covered in copper. The U.S. Mint picks metals that are both affordable and durable, so the coins can last a long time in circulation.
The Minting Process: The process starts with big metal bars called ingots. These ingots are heated and rolled out into long, thin strips. These strips are then fed into a machine called a blanking press, which punches out circular pieces of metal, known as blanks. Think of these blanks as the “unformed” coins – they are just metal discs at this point.
Shaping and Design: Next, these blanks are heated to soften them and then passed through an upsetting mill, which adds a raised edge to each blank. This step is crucial because it makes sure the edges are smooth and ready for the final designs to be stamped on. After that, the blanks go through a coining press where dies (tools with designs carved into them) are used to strike the images onto the coins. Both sides of the coin get stamped in a single press!
Inspection and Packaging: After the coins are struck, they are checked for quality. The U.S. Mint inspects the coins to make sure they are correctly shaped, the design is clear, and there are no defects. If everything looks good, they are bagged and sent out to the Federal Reserve.

U.S. Mint Facilities

Now that you know how coins are made, it’s time to learn where they come from. In the United States, there are several Mint facilities, and each one has a unique role:

Philadelphia Mint (P): This is the birthplace of American coinage. It’s where coins have been struck since 1792! Today, it’s still operational and primarily makes coins for circulation, like the penny, nickel, and dime.
Denver Mint (D): The Denver Mint is where you’ll find coins like the quarter, half dollar, and dollar coins being made. It started in 1906 and continues to serve a major role in producing coins for circulation. It also holds gold and silver reserves, which is pretty cool!
San Francisco Mint (S): The San Francisco Mint is known for producing proof coins, which are specially made for collectors. These coins have an extra shiny, mirror-like finish that makes them perfect for a collector’s display. The San Francisco Mint also manufactures commemorative coins and Congressional Gold Medals.
West Point Mint (W): This facility isn’t as widely known, but it plays a key role in producing gold and silver coins. West Point produces special types of coins, including gold bullion coins, which are sold to investors. It also makes congressional gold medals and silver and gold coins for collectors.
Other Past Mints: There were other mints in places like Carson City (Nevada), Dahlonega (Georgia), and New Orleans (Louisiana) that were active in the past. These mints helped the country during different periods in history, especially for coins made from gold and silver.

Fun Fact: Mintmarks

If you’ve ever looked closely at a coin, you may have noticed a little letter somewhere on it. These letters are called mintmarks and they tell you where the coin was made. For example:

P stands for the Philadelphia Mint
D stands for the Denver Mint
S stands for the San Francisco Mint
W stands for the West Point Mint

Mintmarks are important for collectors because they can help you figure out the rarity of a coin. Some coins with specific mintmarks are harder to find, which makes them more valuable!

The Terms

Now that you understand how coins are made and where they come from, it’s time to dive into some important terms that are essential for anyone getting into coin collecting. These terms will help you better understand the different parts of a coin, the types of collections, and how they are organized. Let’s break them down:

1. Obverse

The obverse is simply the front of the coin, often called the “heads” side. It’s where you’ll usually find the main image or design. On U.S. coins, this side typically features a prominent person, like Abraham Lincoln on the penny or George Washington on the quarter. For most coins, this is the side with the date and mintmark (if any).

2. Reverse

The reverse is the back of the coin, or the “tails” side. It’s usually where you’ll find a secondary design, like the Lincoln Memorial on the back of the penny or an eagle on the reverse of the quarter. The reverse often has important details about the coin, like the denomination (e.g., “ONE CENT” or “QUARTER DOLLAR”).

3. Reeding

Reeding refers to the raised lines or grooves on the edge of some coins. You can think of it as the “texture” that runs along the coin’s edge. Coins like the Roosevelt dime, Washington quarter, and Kennedy half-dollar have reeded edges. The purpose of reeding is to make it obvious if someone tries to scrape off part of the coin’s metal. Back in the day, when coins were made with precious metals, people would shave off small pieces from the edge, and reeding made it easier to spot this type of fraud.

4. Clad

When you hear the term clad in reference to coins, it simply means that the coin is made from layers of different metals. For example, modern U.S. dimes, quarters, half dollars, and dollar coins are all clad coins. They have a core of one metal (usually copper) surrounded by outer layers of another metal (like copper-nickel). The purpose of this is to make the coins more durable and affordable to produce, without using too much of expensive metals like silver or gold.

5. Type Set

A type set is a collection of coins where the collector gathers one example of each type of coin produced in a specific period or series. So, for example, a collector might have a 20th-century U.S. type set that includes one of each of the main coin types, like the penny, nickel, dime, quarter, half dollar, and dollar, but from different years. A type set doesn’t focus on having all the dates or mintmarks, but on having one of each design or type from that era.

6. Date Set

A date set is different from a type set because it’s all about collecting coins from each year of a specific type. For example, if you wanted to complete a Lincoln Wheat Cent date set, you would collect one coin from every year that the Wheat Back design was made, which was from 1909 to 1958. A date set doesn’t care about which mint the coin came from, only the year it was minted.

So, to recap:

Obverse = Front (Heads)
Reverse = Back (Tails)
Reeding = The grooves on the edge of certain coins
Clad = Coins made with layers of different metals
Type Set = A collection of one example from each coin type of a series or period
Date Set = A collection of one example from every year a specific type of coin was minted

Storing Your Collection

Alright, now that you’ve got a good understanding of how coins are made and the key terms in coin collecting, let’s talk about storing your collection. Proper storage is super important to keep your coins safe, prevent damage, and make sure they maintain their value over time. Here are three common ways to store your coins, along with their benefits, drawbacks, and costs:

1. 2×2 Cardboard Holders

A 2×2 cardboard holder is a small, affordable option for storing your coins. It’s a square piece of cardboard with a clear plastic window in the center where you can place your coin.

Benefits

Affordable: You can find 2×2 holders at most coin shops, and they are fairly cheap.
Easy to Use: You simply insert the coin, fold the holder over, and staple it shut. It’s quick and simple.
Viewable: The clear plastic allows you to see both sides of the coin, which is perfect for display or when you’re examining your collection.

Drawbacks

Potential Damage: If you don’t handle these carefully, staples can scratch the surface of your coin. Also, the cardboard itself can sometimes contain acids that may damage your coin over time.
Not Ideal for High-Value Coins: While it’s great for low to moderate-value coins, it’s not the best choice for very expensive or rare coins that need extra protection.

Cost

Low: Typically, a pack of 2×2 holders is quite inexpensive, making this a great option for beginners or those starting to collect on a budget.

2. Hard Plastic Holders (Slabs)

For more valuable or rare coins, you might want to consider using hard plastic holders, also known as slabs. These are the clear, durable plastic cases that are commonly used for high-grade or valuable coins.

Benefits

Excellent Protection: The plastic slab keeps the coin fully protected from physical damage, dirt, and moisture. Some slabs also come with added features like humidity control.
Professional Look: If you ever plan to sell your coins, using slabs can give them a professional, well-preserved appearance. It also helps protect coins that are graded by professional services.
Display Friendly: They are great for showing off your collection since they’re clear and sturdy, making it easy to admire the coin.

Drawbacks

Expensive: These cases can be quite a bit pricier than other storage options. The cost of getting a coin graded and then slabbed can also add up.
Bulkier: Slabs are bigger and bulkier than cardboard holders, so they take up more space if you’re storing a large collection.

Cost

Higher: While the price of the plastic holders themselves is moderate, the cost of getting your coins graded and slabbed by a professional service can be significant.

3. Coin Tubes

Coin tubes are plastic containers that hold a roll of coins (usually 20-50 coins per tube). They’re often used for bulk storage and can be a good choice for common coins or coins you’re accumulating over time.

Benefits

Storage for Bulk Coins: If you’re collecting large numbers of coins, tubes are a great way to organize them. They hold many coins in one place, and you can easily stack them or store them in a drawer.
Affordable: Coin tubes are fairly inexpensive, especially when you buy them in bulk.
Protective: The plastic tubes help prevent physical damage to the coins, and they keep them from getting mixed up with other coins.

Drawbacks

Limited Viewing: Unlike 2×2 holders or slabs, coin tubes don’t allow you to see your coins, so they’re not great if you want to display your collection.
Not Ideal for High-Value Coins: For very valuable coins, tubes aren’t the best option since they don’t offer as much protection as slabs.

Cost

Low: Coin tubes are cheap and offer an affordable way to store bulk collections, making them great for large amounts of coins, especially for collectors who are just starting out.

The One-Cent Coin

Let’s dive into the cool world of one-cent coins and take a look at the designs and important features from different years. In this step, we’ll focus on the one-cent coins from two year groups:

1959-2008
2010-present

We’ll also look at the special 2009 coins and explain why they were different from the rest.

One-Cent Coins from 1959 to 2008

For this period, the one-cent coin featured Abraham Lincoln on the obverse (front). The design was created by Victor David Brenner in 1909 to mark the 100th anniversary of Lincoln’s birth. Here’s what you need to know about this design:

Obverse Design: The coin shows Abraham Lincoln’s portrait, facing right.
Designer Name: Victor David Brenner.
Designer Initials: You can find V.D.B. (Victor David Brenner’s initials) on the obverse, just under the shoulder of Lincoln.
Reverse Design: From 1959 to 2008, the reverse of the coin featured the Lincoln Memorial, designed by Frank Gasparro.
Designer Initials: FG (Frank Gasparro’s initials) are located on the reverse, under the Lincoln Memorial.

This design remained largely unchanged, and it was one of the longest-running designs in U.S. coin history. The Lincoln Memorial reverse was used until 2008, when it was replaced by a new design to celebrate Lincoln’s legacy in his 200th year.

One-Cent Coins from 2010-Present

From 2010 onward, the one-cent coin featured a new reverse design that changed every year, as part of the Lincoln Bicentennial Program. These coins continued to show Abraham Lincoln on the obverse (same as before), but the reverse was updated:

Obverse Design: Same as before, showing Abraham Lincoln.
Reverse Design: The reverse changed with different themes honoring Lincoln’s life:
- 2010: The first coin in the new series featured a Union Shield (representing Lincoln’s preservation of the Union).
- Later years showed designs reflecting Lincoln’s early life, his time as a lawyer, and his presidency.
Designer Initials: The initials for the reverse designer, Joseph Menna, can be found under the design on the reverse.

Each year had a new design for the reverse, showcasing a different aspect of Lincoln’s life.

The Special One-Cent Coins of 2009

The 2009 one-cent coins were special because they commemorated the 200th anniversary of Lincoln’s birth and were issued in four different reverse designs. Each coin reflected a key moment in Lincoln’s life:

Birthplace Design: Representing Lincoln’s birth in a log cabin.
Formative Years Design: Representing his youth in Indiana.
Professional Life Design: Representing his career as a lawyer in Springfield.
Presidency Design: Representing his time as President, with the U.S. Capitol building in the background.

Obverse Design: Same as the regular Lincoln coins, showing Lincoln’s portrait.
Designer Initials: As with the earlier years, V.D.B. for Victor David Brenner is found on the obverse under Lincoln’s shoulder.

How and Why the 2009 Coins Were Different

The main difference with the 2009 one-cent coins is the reverse design. These coins were issued with four different designs, each representing a different stage of Abraham Lincoln’s life. This made the 2009 coins unique, as no other year had multiple reverse designs. The coins were created to celebrate Lincoln’s legacy, so the U.S. Mint decided to give them special designs to reflect his birth, youth, career, and presidency.

In contrast, the coins from 1959-2008 and 2010-present have had a more consistent design, with only minor changes, like the Union Shield reverse in 2010.

Summary:

1959-2008: The one-cent coin had Lincoln’s portrait on the obverse, and the Lincoln Memorial on the reverse, designed by Frank Gasparro.
2010-present: The one-cent coin continued with Lincoln’s portrait on the obverse, but the reverse was redesigned each year to celebrate different moments in Lincoln’s life. Joseph Menna designed the reverse.
2009 Special Edition: The 2009 one-cent coins had four different reverse designs, each celebrating a different stage of Lincoln’s life.

The Five-Cent Coin

Let’s move on to the five-cent coin, also known as the nickel! Like the penny, the nickel has gone through some changes over the years, so let’s break it down for you in a way that’s easy to understand.

Five-Cent Coins from 1959-2003

From 1959 to 2003, the five-cent coin featured Thomas Jefferson on the obverse (front). The design has stayed mostly the same during this time, but there are still some key details to know:

Obverse Design: It shows a portrait of Thomas Jefferson, who was the third President of the United States. This portrait was designed by Felix Schlag in 1938.
Designer Initials: You can find “FS” (Felix Schlag’s initials) on the obverse, right near the base of Jefferson’s neck.
Reverse Design: The reverse has always featured a Monticello, Jefferson’s home in Virginia. This design has remained the same for many years.
Designer Initials: The reverse design also has Felix Schlag’s initials near the base of Monticello.

So, from 1959 to 2003, the five-cent coin had a pretty consistent look with Jefferson on the front and Monticello on the back, designed by Felix Schlag.

Five-Cent Coins from 2006-Present

Starting in 2006, the design of the five-cent coin changed to celebrate the bicentennial (200th anniversary) of Thomas Jefferson’s birth. This change involved a new reverse design that showed two new versions:

Obverse Design: The obverse still features the same Thomas Jefferson portrait created by Felix Schlag.
Reverse Design: The reverse shows Monticello as before, but with a new, more detailed design starting in 2006. Additionally, in 2006, the Jefferson Nickel series introduced a new reverse design featuring Jefferson’s home, Monticello, but with more detail, bringing it up to modern design standards.
Designer Initials: The reverse still has Felix Schlag’s initials.

Five-Cent Coins from 2004-2005

Now, here’s where it gets interesting! The five-cent coins issued between 2004 and 2005 were different from the rest. These years had a special design that celebrated the Louisiana Purchase and Lewis and Clark’s Expedition. Here’s what makes these coins unique:

Obverse Design: The obverse still featured the traditional Thomas Jefferson portrait.
Reverse Design: The reverse was completely changed during this period! Instead of Monticello, the reverse showed images related to the Louisiana Purchase and Lewis and Clark’s Expedition.
- 2004: The reverse showed Jefferson’s image with an engraving of the Louisiana Territory.
- 2005: The reverse displayed a scene commemorating the Lewis and Clark Expedition, which included an image of Jefferson and the explorers.

These coins were a temporary change to mark the important historical events. They were different from the 1959-2003 and 2006-present coins because they didn’t feature Monticello and focused more on celebrating U.S. history during Jefferson’s time.

Why Were the 2004-2005 Coins Different?

The 2004-2005 five-cent coins were part of a special two-year series to commemorate the bicentennial of the Louisiana Purchase and the Lewis and Clark Expedition. This was a celebration of the country’s history, marking key events during Jefferson’s presidency.

These coins were designed to highlight historical milestones, which made them stand out from the regular designs that focused on Thomas Jefferson and his home, Monticello.

Summary:

1959-2003: The five-cent coin featured Thomas Jefferson on the front and Monticello on the back, designed by Felix Schlag.
2006-present: The nickel still shows Jefferson’s portrait, but the reverse design was updated with a more detailed version of Monticello.
2004-2005: These coins had a special reverse design to honor the Louisiana Purchase and the Lewis and Clark Expedition, instead of the usual Monticello.

The Twenty-Five-Cent Coins

Alright, let’s dive into the world of twenty-five-cent coins, also known as quarters! Quarters are a fun part of coin collecting because they’ve had a lot of different designs over the years. Some of these designs came from special coin programs designed to celebrate important moments in American history or culture. I’m going to walk you through three major programs and what they were all about.

1. 1965-1998 Quarters – The Regular Quarter Design

Between 1965 and 1998, the U.S. quarter had the same basic design, featuring George Washington on the obverse (front) and the eagle with a shield on the reverse. This was the standard design until a couple of new programs came into play.

Obverse Design: George Washington’s portrait, created by John Flanagan in 1932, remained unchanged.
Reverse Design: The reverse showed an eagle perched on a shield, representing the strength and unity of the United States.
Purpose: This design was just a regular, traditional issue for the U.S. quarter. It remained in circulation as the classic quarter for several decades until new programs were introduced in 1999.

2. 50-State Quarter Program (1999-2009)

Starting in 1999, the 50-State Quarter Program was introduced to celebrate the 50 states of the United States. This program was super popular because it featured unique designs for each state! Each state’s quarter had a design that reflected something important about that state—its history, symbols, or landmarks.

Obverse Design: Still featured George Washington on the front.
Reverse Design: Each state had its own unique design, like the Hawaii quarter showing a Hawaiian ka’ahumanu (a queen) or the Alabama quarter showing the rocket from the U.S. Space & Rocket Center.
Purpose: The goal of this program was to celebrate the unique identity and history of each state. It gave people a fun way to learn about each state’s important features while also making the quarter more interesting.

Some examples of the state quarters you could collect from this program include:

2004: The Florida Quarter shows an image of a Spanish galleon.
2007: The Idaho Quarter features sawtooth mountains.

3. America the Beautiful Quarter Program (2010-2021)

In 2010, the U.S. Mint launched the America the Beautiful Quarter Program. This program focused on national parks and historic sites across the country, showcasing the beauty of America’s natural landmarks.

Obverse Design: Again, George Washington remained on the front of the coin.
Reverse Design: The reverse showed national parks and historic sites like Yosemite National Park, the Grand Canyon, or Hot Springs National Park.
Purpose: The goal of this program was to highlight America’s national treasures—the parks, monuments, and other historical places that make the U.S. so special.

Some examples of the America the Beautiful quarters include:

2012: The El Yunque National Forest Quarter featuring a rainforest in Puerto Rico.
2017: The Ellis Island Quarter showing the Statue of Liberty and a silhouette of Ellis Island.

4. American Women Quarter Program (2022-2024)

The American Women Quarter Program, which started in 2022, honors the contributions of women throughout American history. This program features famous American women who have made an impact in various fields like activism, science, and culture.

Obverse Design: George Washington’s portrait is still there on the front.
Reverse Design: The reverse features prominent women who shaped American history. The design will change each year to honor different women.
Purpose: The goal of this program is to recognize the achievements of women in America, giving them the recognition they deserve for their contributions in various fields.

Some examples of the designs from the American Women Quarter Program include:

2022: The Maya Angelou Quarter features a portrait of Maya Angelou, the famous poet and civil rights activist.
2023: The Dr. Sally Ride Quarter honors Dr. Sally Ride, the first American woman in space.

Summary of the Programs:

50-State Quarter Program (1999-2009): Celebrated the unique identities and history of the 50 states, with each state having its own special design.
America the Beautiful Quarter Program (2010-2021): Focused on national parks and historic sites, showcasing the beauty of America’s landmarks.
American Women Quarter Program (2022-2024): Honors the contributions of women throughout American history, highlighting their achievements in a variety of fields.

The Bicentennial

In 1975 and 1976, the United States celebrated its Bicentennial, marking 200 years of independence since the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. To honor this special occasion, the U.S. Mint released commemorative coins with special reverse designs. These coins included the quarter, half dollar, and dollar coin—all featuring new designs that celebrated America’s rich history and independence.

Let’s break down the designs for each of these coins to understand what they represent and why they were so special.

1. Bicentennial Quarter (1975-1976)

The Bicentennial Quarter has one of the most memorable reverse designs in U.S. coin history. This quarter was produced for two years—1975 and 1976—to mark the nation’s 200th anniversary.

Reverse Design: The design shows a colonial drummer playing his drum, symbolizing the American Revolution and the fight for independence. Above the drummer, there’s a 13-star banner, representing the 13 original colonies.
Obverse Design: The obverse (front) still shows George Washington‘s portrait, as it has since 1932.
Purpose: This design was meant to honor the spirit of the Revolution and the brave people who fought for independence. The drummer, in particular, represents the military presence and the patriotism that played a crucial role in the birth of the nation.

This special quarter design was part of the Bicentennial coin series that became an instant hit with collectors and the general public because of its unique tribute to American history.

2. Bicentennial Half Dollar (1975-1976)

The Bicentennial Half Dollar also featured a special reverse design to celebrate the country’s 200 years of independence.

Reverse Design: The reverse shows Independence Hall in Philadelphia, where the Declaration of Independence was signed in 1776. In front of Independence Hall is a bell, symbolizing the Liberty Bell, one of America’s most famous historical symbols.
Obverse Design: Like the quarter, the obverse still featured John F. Kennedy‘s portrait, which had been used on the half dollar since 1964.
Purpose: The design of the Bicentennial Half Dollar highlights the birthplace of American independence—Independence Hall—and the Liberty Bell, which is deeply tied to the history of the country’s freedom and independence.

The half dollar was issued in both regular and proof versions, and it was a key part of the Bicentennial coin series.

3. Bicentennial Dollar Coin (1975-1976)

The Bicentennial Dollar Coin was a new coin for many people, as it wasn’t widely circulated. However, it was part of the Bicentennial commemorative series.

Reverse Design: The reverse of the dollar coin features the Liberty Bell superimposed over the moon—a symbolic image of America’s progress, from independence in 1776 to the historic moon landing in 1969. The bell is a clear tribute to American freedom, and placing it over the moon reflects America’s achievements in space exploration.
Obverse Design: The obverse side of the dollar coin features a profile of President Dwight D. Eisenhower, the 34th President of the United States, who served during the early years of the space race and the Bicentennial celebration.
Purpose: The purpose of the Bicentennial dollar coin was to honor the U.S. government’s achievements and the country’s growth—from the founding of the nation to space exploration and technological advancements.

Though this coin wasn’t used widely in circulation, it became a significant collector’s item and part of the Bicentennial legacy.

Summary of the Bicentennial Coin Designs:

Bicentennial Quarter: Featured a colonial drummer with a 13-star banner to honor the American Revolution and the 13 original colonies.
Bicentennial Half Dollar: Showed Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell, celebrating the birthplace of American independence.
Bicentennial Dollar Coin: Depicted the Liberty Bell over the moon, symbolizing America’s historical achievements from independence to space exploration.

Current U.S. Currency

Alright, let’s take a look at the faces on current U.S. currency—those bills you’ve probably used or seen in your wallet! Each bill has a famous person from American history on the front, and these people were chosen because of their important contributions to the country. Here’s who you’ll find on each of the $1, $2, $5, $10, $20, $50, and $100 bills:

1. $1 Bill

Person Depicted: George Washington – He was the first president of the United States and played a huge role in the country’s founding.
Fun Fact: Washington is one of the most famous figures in U.S. history, often called the “Father of the Nation.”

2. $2 Bill

Person Depicted: Thomas Jefferson – He was the third president and the primary author of the Declaration of Independence.
Fun Fact: The $2 bill is not as commonly used as other bills, but it’s still legal tender!

3. $5 Bill

Person Depicted: Abraham Lincoln – He was the 16th president and is remembered for leading the country during the Civil War and for abolishing slavery.
Fun Fact: Lincoln is also the face of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., which honors his legacy.

4. $10 Bill

Person Depicted: Alexander Hamilton – He was one of the Founding Fathers and the first Secretary of the Treasury. He helped create the nation’s financial system.
Fun Fact: Hamilton is also the subject of a hit Broadway musical called Hamilton!

5. $20 Bill

Person Depicted: Andrew Jackson – He was the 7th president and is known for his controversial policies, including the forced relocation of Native American tribes.
Fun Fact: Jackson’s face is on the $20 bill because of his strong influence on the presidency during the 19th century.

6. $50 Bill

Person Depicted: Ulysses S. Grant – He was the 18th president and a key general during the Civil War, leading the Union Army to victory.
Fun Fact: Grant is known for his leadership during the Civil War and his post-war presidency, which helped rebuild the country.

7. $100 Bill

Person Depicted: Benjamin Franklin – He was one of the Founding Fathers and is famous for his work as a statesman, inventor, and philosopher. He helped negotiate the end of the American Revolution.
Fun Fact: Franklin is unique because, unlike the other bills, he was never a president! But his contributions to the country were so significant that he earned a place on the $100 bill.

Where is U.S. Currency Printed?

Now that you know who’s on the bills, let’s talk about where the currency is actually printed!

U.S. currency is printed at two locations:
1. The Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) – This is the main place where the U.S. government prints paper money. It has facilities in Washington, D.C., and Fort Worth, Texas.
2. U.S. Mint – Although the U.S. Mint primarily makes coins, it also plays a role in producing the metal plates used in currency printing.

The Bureau of Engraving and Printing is responsible for designing, printing, and issuing most of the country’s paper currency. The money is made from a special blend of cotton and linen to make it durable and harder to counterfeit.

Here’s who you’ll find on U.S. bills:

$1 Bill: George Washington
$2 Bill: Thomas Jefferson
$5 Bill: Abraham Lincoln
$10 Bill: Alexander Hamilton
$20 Bill: Andrew Jackson
$50 Bill: Ulysses S. Grant
$100 Bill: Benjamin Franklin