WASHINGTON – The United States Mint today announced activities on its website in support of National Coin Week April 17-23, 2016.
The free, downloadable content is available to educators and youth organizations interested in learning about U.S. coins. Free lesson plans are offered for grades K-12 and cover subjects such as social studies, art, science, math, and language arts. The materials also focus on ways to begin a coin collection and include an instructional video about the coin-making process.
National Coin Week is a weeklong celebration of numismatics. The 2016 theme is “Portraits of Liberty: Icon of Freedom” and will focus on depictions of Liberty from ancient to modern times on coins. Presidents Richard Nixon and Ronald Reagan issued proclamations in 1974 and 1983, respectively, designating the third week of April to be observed as National Coin Week, with relevant ceremonies and activities occurring throughout the week.
National Coin Week lesson plans and activities may be downloaded from the Mint’s website at http://www.usmint.gov/kids/coinNews/nationalCoinWeek.html.
About the United States Mint
The United States Mint was created by Congress in 1792 and became part of the Department of the Treasury in 1873. It is the nation’s sole manufacturer of legal tender coinage and is responsible for producing circulating coinage for the nation to conduct its trade and commerce. The United States Mint also produces numismatic products, including proof, uncirculated, and commemorative coins; Congressional Gold Medals; and silver and gold bullion coins. The United States Mint’s numismatic programs are self-sustaining and operate at no cost to taxpayers.