Coin Rubbing and Matching

kids coin rubbing and matching activity materials

Create colorful coins with our coin rubbing and matching activity.

Grades: Pre-K and up

Materials: different types of coins, colored pencils or crayons, pencil, white paper or the Coin Rubbing and Matching worksheet (PDF)

Time: 10 to 30 minutes

Steps:

  1. Collect different types of U.S. coins.
  2. Place the coin under a sheet of white paper or the printed Coin Rubbing and Matching worksheet.
  3. Using a colored pencil or crayon, gently rub the colored tip over the coin until the coin design appears on the paper.
  4. Use different colors for different coins.
  5. Fill the sheet with different coin rubbings.
  6. After the sheet is filled, place the coins next to the sheet. Match the actual coin to the correct impression.
  7. With the help of a friend or family member, write the name of each coin and its value (1¢, 5¢, 10¢, 25¢, and 50¢) next to each impression.

For additional fun, create a pattern using the coins (a circle, square, smiley face, flower). Place a blank sheet of paper over the coins and rub the coins to show the pattern.