National Coin Week Youth Activity
Put your creativity to work as you step into the role of a coin designer for America’s 250th anniversary. In this activity, you’ll explore real U.S. Mint examples and create your own commemorative coin that celebrates our nation’s history, values, and independence. Use your imagination to design both sides of your coin and share the story behind your design.
Design a Coin Celebrating America 250
Goal: To create a coin that reflects the 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence (America 250)
Role: Investigator and Artist
Audience: The U.S. Mint
Product: A coin design celebrating America 250.
Situation: Imagine you are asked by the U.S. Mint to design the newest coin related to America 250. America 250 is the celebration of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Also known as the semiquincentennial, America 250 is a year-long celebration, during 2026, to honor American freedom from Great Britain in 1776.
Task: Create a coin design by completing the following steps:
- Look at examples of the special coins the United States will release to celebrate America 250
- Design a coin front and back (known as obverse and reverse) that represents your idea of celebrating America 250:
- Include the following information on the coin:
- Design(s)/Images
- Year
- Denomination (how much the coin is worth)
- Inscription(s) (phrases)
- Include the following information on the coin:
Please provide work that is age-appropriate. For example, images, answers, and descriptions should be more advanced for older students.
NCW 2026
Learn more about this year’s National Coin Week
- Read fascinating articles from The Numismatist magazine and ANA Reading Room.
- Explore immersive museum exhibits and webinars.
- Discover the history behind National Coin Week.
SOCIAL
Connect with the American Numismatic Association on Social Media
- Join us on Instagram, Facebook, X and YouTube.
- Follow the ANA’s YouTube channel for numismatic education and entertainment.
- Connect with the ANA on Instagram for America 250!
U.S. MINT
Visit the U.S. Mint website to find additional activities
- The U.S. Mint Coin Classroom hosts a variety of fun and educational activities.
- Dive deeper into the U.S. Mint’s activities with Lessons That Make Sense.
- Request U.S. Mint resources.