Resources for National Coin Week
Monthly Mint Trivia: What role does the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee (CCAC) play in coin design? [Hint: Check out an article on the design and selection process.]
Coins, Culture, and History
Coin designs tell stories, but the coins themselves are also pieces of history. Explore the hobby of coin collecting, how coins reflect culture, and more during National Coin Week (April 21-27). The American Numismatic Association’s (ANA) celebration, themed “A Hobby for a Changing World — 100 Years and Counting,” will feature educational programs and activities about the evolution of money.
Read on for National Coin Week and coin collecting resources and fascinating coin stories.
Resources from the U.S. Mint:
- Get Started Collecting Coins
- Build Your Coin Collection
- America’s First Coins video (YouTube)
- The Evolution of Liberty on Coins
- The History of Women on Coins
- Behind the Design of the Liberty and Britannia Coin
- Redesigning the American Eagle Gold and Silver Coins
- One Hundred Years of Silver Dollar Coinage
- Silver Center Pattern Cents of 1792
Want more ideas? Reach out to education.outreach@usmint.treas.gov for recommendations on lesson plans and activities for your students.
Coin of the Month: 2024 Kennedy Half Dollar
The U.S. Mint first issued the Kennedy Half Dollar design in 1964, a year after President John F. Kennedy’s assassination. The obverse (heads) shows an image of Kennedy based on a portrait prepared for his presidential medal.
The Presidential Seal appears on the reverse (tails). In 1975 and 1976, the Mint used a temporary reverse featuring Independence Hall in Philadelphia to celebrate the bicentennial of the Declaration of Independence.
Since 2002, half dollars have been minted primarily for annual coin sets and other numismatic products. However, the Federal Reserve may still order them for circulation.
Coin Week Youth Activity
Introduction to Coins
Discover History In Your Pocket
We Want to Hear from You!
Are you interested in incorporating coins into your classroom next year, but aren’t sure where to start? Let us help you! The U.S. Mint offers K-6 lesson plans, online educational games, videos, online quizzes, a free Coin Coloring Book, and other resources. Reach out to us at education.outreach@usmint.treas.gov to request resources that fit your education needs.
Trivia Answer: The CCAC recommends designs to the Secretary of the Treasury for all U.S. coins and medals.