Coin Collecting
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Coin Collecting Requirements
Current Scouts BSA requirements
as of June 6, 2026
as of June 6, 2026
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,
and 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 2010-2021 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 1979-1981, 1999, Sacagawea 2000-2008, U.S. Presidents
2007-2016, 2020.
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.