Identify and Value Coins

Facts about US Coins – First Grade Level

The gum-ball machine says one cent, the sticker machine says five cents, the horse says ten cents, and the helicopter says twenty-five cents. But what are pennies, nickels, dimes and quarters? And what are each of these coins worth? Find out by reading this text!

American Coins in First Grade – Overview

When introducing coins in first grade, it is important to start with a definition. Coins are little, flat, circular pieces of money made from metal. In the United States, coins are usually worth cents, an amount of money that is less than one dollar. We use this symbol, ¢, which looks like a “c” with a line through it to represent cents. If you have one cent, you would write it like this with the number one first and the cent symbol after. Each coin is a different size, has a different face, and is worth a different amount. Some coins are copper-colored while others look silvery.

American Coins in First Grade – Values

When teaching first graders how to distinguish coins, it helps to show coins separately first. It is also important to show both the front and back of coins for first graders. Below is a list of values and descriptions for common US coins:

• The coin worth the least is called the penny. A penny is worth one cent and is copper in color.

• Next is the nickel which is worth five cents. A nickel is the second largest in size and silver in color.

• Just like the nickel, the dime is also silver in color. A dime is the smallest in size, but it is actually worth ten cents.

• Last is the quarter. A quarter is the largest in size and in value !It's worth twenty-five cents!

American Coins in First Grade – Examples

Now that we’ve spent some time teaching coins to first grade, let’s practice identifying some! First, is the gumball machine. It costs one cent. Which coin will we need?

We will need a penny because it is worth one cent.

Next, let’s try the horse ride. It costs ten cents. Which coin will we need now?

We will need a dime because it is worth ten cents.

American Coins in First Grade – Summary

• In the United States, coins are usually worth centS, an amount of money that is less than one dollar.

• This symbol, ¢, stands for the word cent.

• A penny is worth one cent, a nickel is worth five cents, a dime is worth ten cents, and a quarter is worth twenty-five cents.

The table below shows an overview of the names and values (in cents ¢) for each of the American coins:

American Coins in First Grade – Further Activities

Have you practiced with a coins worksheet for first grade yet? On this website, you can also find worksheets about coins for first grade coins worksheets and exercises. These worksheets for first grade help students practice knowing coins and the value of them.