Coin Collecting Merit Badge

Coin Collecting and the Trail to Eagle

Coin Collecting is an elective merit badge. It is not required for any rank, but it can count as one of the 8 elective badges a scout needs for Eagle, alongside the 13 Eagle-required badges. Elective badges are also where most scouts discover hobbies and careers, so choose ones you are genuinely curious about. Browse the complete merit badge list to compare options.

Coin Collecting Merit Badge Requirements

Summary of the 10 main requirements for Coin Collecting. Always confirm the exact wording with your counselor or the current official BSA requirements.

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, mint mark, proof, uncirculated, condition.
3
Explain how the value of coins is determined.
4
Know three different ways to collect coins.
5
Demonstrate to your counselor that you know how to use two coin reference catalogs, or read a numismatic publication.
6
Describe the 50 State Quarters program or America the Beautiful Quarters program. Collect and show five quarters.
7
Collect from circulation a set of U.S. coins from as many denominations as you can.
8
Identify the people and designs on the coins you collected.
9
Do ONE of the following: collect 50 foreign coins, collect 20 bank notes, collect 15 tokens or medals, or collect date sets.
10
Do ONE of the following: tour a U.S. Mint or coin dealer, attend a coin show, give a talk about coin collecting, or do a presentation about a famous coin.

Merit badge names and emblems are trademarks of Scouting America (Boy Scouts of America). Eagle Compass is an independent tool and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Scouting America. Requirements are summarized for planning purposes; the official requirements are authoritative.

How to Earn the Coin Collecting Merit Badge

1. Get a blue card and a counselor

Ask your Scoutmaster for approval to start Coin Collecting, then find a registered merit badge counselor for it through your troop or council.

2. Plan around the setting

Coin Collecting is usually earned on your own with a counselor. Schedule regular check-ins with your counselor so partial progress does not stall.

3. Budget the time

Expect about 6 weeks for a moderate badge like this one. Working with a partner or at a merit badge clinic can shorten it.

4. Track every requirement

Keep notes as you complete each item so your counselor can sign off without re-doing work. Eagle Compass tracks all 10 Coin Collecting requirements for you.

Coin Collecting Merit Badge FAQ

Is the Coin Collecting merit badge required for Eagle Scout?

No. Coin Collecting is an elective merit badge. It can count as one of the 8 elective badges needed for Eagle Scout, alongside the 13 Eagle-required badges.

How long does the Coin Collecting merit badge take?

Most scouts finish Coin Collecting in about 6 weeks, depending on counselor availability and how the requirements are scheduled.

Where do scouts usually earn the Coin Collecting merit badge?

Coin Collecting is most often earned on your own with a counselor. Any registered merit badge counselor for Coin Collecting can sign off requirements.