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Stuff Every Coin Collecting Scout Should Know: the Study Guide

Practice facts for the Coin Collecting merit badge. Not an official Scouting America credential. Grab a snack: this guide is the friendly version, with the answers explained and a groan-worthy joke waiting at the end of most cards.

Knowing Coin Collecting Scout saves you money, time and the occasional embarrassment.

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Chapter 1: Emergencies and First Aid

What is a coin's grade based on?

Short answer: Its condition and wear

A coin's grade describes its condition, and minimal wear usually raises value.

Groan of the day: Grade is about condition, that's the grade truth!

Sources: Coin collecting

What is a coin slab?

Short answer: A sealed plastic holder

Grading services encapsulate coins in clear plastic holders, often called slabs.

Groan of the day: A slab keeps a coin safe, that's slab-tastic!

Sources: Coin collecting

The cheat sheet

The whole guide on one screen. Screenshot it, print it, stick it on the fridge.

  • The obverse is the front side of a coin, often showing a portrait or main design.
  • The reverse is the back side of a coin, opposite the obverse.
  • Reeding is the grooved or ridged edge found on many coins.
  • Clad coins are made from bonded layers of different metals.
  • A type set contains one example of each different design type.
  • A date set has one coin from each year in a series.
  • The U.S. Mint operates facilities in several locations across the country.
  • The U.S. Mint makes coins, while paper currency is printed elsewhere.
  • U.S. paper money is printed by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing.
  • George Washington is depicted on the one dollar note.
  • Abraham Lincoln is depicted on the five dollar note.
  • Alexander Hamilton is depicted on the ten dollar note.

Pop quiz

Think of your answer first, then peek.

  1. What is the front side of a coin usually called?
    • Obverse
    • Rim
    • Reverse
    Show the answer

    Obverse. The obverse is the front side of a coin, often showing a portrait or main design.

  2. Whose portrait appears on the $5 note?
    • Thomas Jefferson
    • Abraham Lincoln
    • Andrew Jackson
    Show the answer

    Abraham Lincoln. Abraham Lincoln is depicted on the five dollar note.

  3. Why did third-party grading emerge in the 1980s?
    • To raise coin prices
    • To print more money
    • To standardize grading and reduce fakes
    Show the answer

    To standardize grading and reduce fakes. Grading services aimed to standardize grades, expose alterations, and reduce counterfeits.

  4. What is one way to store a coin collection?
    • In holders or albums
    • Loose in a pocket
    • Taped to a wall
    Show the answer

    In holders or albums. Collectors use holders and albums, weighing benefits, drawbacks, and cost of each method.

  5. What does a coin's value depend on besides grade?
    • Only its shine
    • Rarity and popularity
    • Only its size
    Show the answer

    Rarity and popularity. Grade, rarity, and popularity all help determine a coin's value.

Now make it stick

Read a chapter, then play the deck and see how much stuck.

This guide covers the 50 free cards. The other 4 are in the game for members.

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