Coin Collecting Merit Badge

Seven requirements, with the six parts of the U.S. coin set in requirement 4 drawn as steps, its explanation of design features and designers marked as often forgotten, and requirement 7 (a world coin, paper money or token collection, or one of four experiences) drawn as one question.

8 steps (14 parts inside them). 8 parts depend on questions you have not answered yet. · Version 1, published 8 October 2026 · About Coin Collecting Merit Badge

No questions answered

This is the whole plan: everything that could apply to anybody. Answering the question at the address above takes out the parts that are not for you.

Which of this applies to you

You have not answered anything yet, so this is the whole plan: everything that could apply to anybody. Answering one question will take out the parts that are not for you.

Answer the questions

The steps

Stage 1 of 8

1 step

1. How coins are made, and where the U.S. Mint facilities are Requirement

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

Stage 2 of 8

1 step

2. Six coin terms Requirement

Obverse, reverse, reeding, clad, type set and date set, explained.

Stage 3 of 8

1 step

3. Three ways to store a collection Requirement

The benefits, drawbacks and cost of each method.

Stage 4 of 8

1 step

4. Collect U.S. coins, with their designs and designers Often forgotten Requirement

Six parts, (a) to (f). For each item, explain to your counselor the design features, designer name, designer initials, and where to find them.
6 parts

Stage 5 of 8

1 step

5. The Bicentennial reverse designs Requirement

The special reverse designs of the quarters, half dollar and dollar coin struck in 1975 to 1976 to honor the U.S. Bicentennial, described and discussed with your counselor.

Stage 6 of 8

1 step

6. The people on U.S. currency, and where it is printed Requirement

Identify the people depicted on the current $1, $2, $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100 notes, and explain where United States currency is printed.

Stage 7 of 8

1 step

7. A collection or a coin experience. Do ONE Requirement

The badge states the choice: 20 world coins, 20 world paper money, 20 tokens and/or medals, or one of four experiences.
8 parts
- 7(a). Collect and identify 20 world coins Optional May not apply
- 7(b). Collect and identify 20 world paper money Optional May not apply
- 7(c). Collect and identify 20 tokens and/or medals Optional May not apply
- 7(d). A coin experience, and report on it Optional May not apply
- 7(d)(1). Attend a coin show Optional May not apply
- 7(d)(2). Attend a coin club meeting Optional May not apply
- 7(d)(3). Tour a U.S. Mint facility or museum Optional May not apply
- 7(d)(4). Tour a virtual exhibit approved by your counselor Optional May not apply Often forgotten

Stage 8 of 8

1 step

Counselor signs it off Milestone

The completion date is the date you met the requirements, not the date of the signature.

Usually comes after 1. How coins are made, and where the U.S. Mint facilities are, 2. Six coin terms and 5 others.

Merit badge requirements are republished annually. A Scout beginning work uses the requirements as they stand then; a Scout already working may finish under the ones they started with. Guide to Advancement 7.0.4.3 governs which applies. This page records the date its copy was read. Check it against the official page before relying on it.

This plan is a planning aid: the current Boy Scouts of America publication is always the authority, and the sources used here are listed in full. Each step names its own.