Coin Collecting
Resources
- Coin Collecting Class Preparation Page
- Coin Collecting Workbook
- Scoutmaster Bucky's Merit Badge Advancement Quick Reference
- Scoutmaster Bucky's Acknowledgement Form
Coin Collecting Requirements Current Scouts BSA requirements
as of March 8, 2025
as of March 8, 2025
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.
