Exploring Design, Symbolism, and Storytelling on U.S. Coins
Monthly Mint Trivia: U.S. coins often include symbols like eagles, shields, and olive branches. What do these artistic elements represent?
Main Feature: Artistic Values
U.S. coins capture significant moments in American history through their artistry and design. As both storytelling tools and historical artifacts, they offer a unique way to connect students with the past. Read on for ideas to enhance learning through art.
U.S. Mint Coin Classroom:
- Quarter Quest (Grades K-2): Discover the art of coins and how their designs have evolved over time.
- Design Your Own Coin (Grades K+): Explore how students can unleash their creativity by designing their own coins, drawing inspiration from their ideas, interests, and imagination.
- Coloring Pages (Grades K-5): Students can bring coin designs to life by coloring printable PDF pages, adding their own creativity and artistic flair.
Additional resources from around the web:
- Art Speaks: Learn to interpret and convey the significance of artwork using this lesson plan from the National Park Service.
- Painting 1000 Words: Learn how art helped to establish the world’s first national park.
Semiquincentennial Sweepstakes
2026 United States Mint Coin Activity Book
Coin Sun Prints Activity
Coin of the Month: 2026 American Innovation $1 Coin – Wisconsin
The obverse design features a dramatic representation of the Statue of Liberty in profile with the inscriptions "$1" and “IN GOD WE TRUST.” The design includes a privy mark of a stylized gear, representing industry and innovation. In 2026, the privy mark will incorporate a Liberty Bell with the inscription “250” to commemorate the semiquincentennial of our Nation’s founding.
The Wisconsin reverse design exhibits a stylized aerial view of the Cray-1 supercomputer. The image emphasizes the Cray-1 not only through its shape, but by also suggesting the shape of a “C” for Cray-1 and “computer.” Inscriptions are “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “WISCONSIN.” The additional inscription is “CRAY-1 SUPERCOMPUTER.”
Trivia Answer: National values such as strength, unity, and peace.