Coin Identification Worksheet for 8-Year-Olds (2nd Grade) — Math & Financial Literacy Practice

Instructions

Welcome to the Coin Counter Challenge! This worksheet will help you identify common U.S. coins and calculate their total value. Read the instructions for each section carefully and show your work when possible.

1. Use the reference table below to remind yourself of the coin values.
2. Complete the tasks in order, from Identification to the Challenge Question.
3. Write your answers clearly in the provided spaces.

Section 1: Coin Identification Guide

Fill in the missing values for the U.S. coins. (Note: Only common silver coins and the penny are listed.)

Section 2: Calculating Coin Totals

Calculate the total value for each group of coins. Use the counting-on strategy (start with the coin of highest value and count up).

Section 3: Making Change and Purchases

Solve the following real-world money problems. Remember that $1.00 equals 100¢.

1. Leo wants to buy a small toy that costs 45¢. a. If he only uses dimes and nickels, how many of each could he use? (Dimes: ______ Nickels: ______)

2. Maya is saving money. She currently has 2 Quarters, 4 Dimes, and 1 Nickel. a. How much money does Maya have in total? (Total: ______¢)

   b. If she needs $1.25 (125¢) to buy a book, how much more money does she need? (Needs: ______¢)

3. You have exactly $1.00 (100¢). You buy a juice box for 85¢. a. How much change will you get back? (Change: ______¢)

   b. List three different ways to make that exact change using only two coins in each method.

   • Method 1: ______ and _______
   • Method 2: ______ and _______
   • Method 3: ______ and _______

Section 4: The Coin Challenge (Optional Extension)

These questions require careful thinking about coin counts and totals.

1. Fewest Coins: What is the fewest number of coins you need to make exactly 91¢?

   (Hint: Start with the largest coin possible, 25¢)

   (Answer: ______ coins)

2. Coin Mystery: I have 5 coins in my pocket. None of them are pennies. The total value is 55¢. What five coins do I have?

   (List the coins: _______________________________________________)

Answer Key

Section 1: Coin Identification Guide

Section 2: Calculating Coin Totals

Section 3: Making Change and Purchases

1. Leo wants to buy a toy that costs 45¢. a. (Dimes: 4, Nickels: 1) OR (Dimes: 3, Nickels: 3) OR (Dimes: 2, Nickels: 5) etc.

2. Maya's savings: a. 50¢ + 40¢ + 5¢ = 95¢ (Total: 95¢) b. 125¢ - 95¢ = 30¢ (Needs: 30¢)

3. Juice box for 85¢, starting with $1.00 (100¢). a. 100¢ - 85¢ = 15¢ (Change: 15¢) b. Three different ways to make 15¢ using only two coins:

   • Method 1: 1 Dime and 1 Nickel
   • Method 2: 1 Dime and 5 Pennies (If they allow the 5 pennies to count as one item/group of coins, otherwise use Method 3)
   • Method 3: 3 Nickels (Since the instruction asks for two coins, the accepted answers are only: 1 Dime and 1 Nickel, or 1 Quarter and 1 Dime (which totals 35 cents, too much). Best Answer: 1 Dime and 1 Nickel is the only accurate way to make 15¢ with two single coins.) (Note to Educator: Accept 1 Dime and 5 Pennies as a set of two groups if student interprets it that way, but emphasize the 1 Dime and 1 Nickel answer as standard.)

Section 4: The Coin Challenge

1. Fewest Coins for 91¢: (3 Quarters = 75¢. Remaining: 16¢) (1 Dime = 10¢. Remaining: 6¢) (1 Nickel = 5¢. Remaining: 1¢) (1 Penny = 1¢) Answer: 6 coins (3 Quarters, 1 Dime, 1 Nickel, 1 Penny)

2. Coin Mystery (5 coins, total 55¢, no pennies): To get 55¢ with 5 coins, you need 3 Dimes (30¢) and 2 Nickels (10¢) = 40¢ (Too few coins/low value). To maximize value: 1 Quarter (25¢), 2 Dimes (20¢), 2 Nickels (10¢). Total 55¢. Answer: 1 Quarter, 2 Dimes, 2 Nickels