NOTE to parents, teachers, and educators of every kind:
Use this definition as a simple, kid-friendly teaching tool. Click this link to view the full index of current money terms and definitions, and learn how to use the Sammy Rabbit dictionary to support teaching and learning.
Word and Category
Word: Coins
Related Definition: Coin
Category: System Word
What this category means: System words explain how money is used and organized in the real world. They help children understand what money looks like, how it is counted, and how people use it to buy, save, or make change.
Definitions
In Simple Words
Coins are small, round pieces of money made of metal.
Coins have different values and are used to buy things, save money, or make change.
The most commonly used coins in the U.S. are the penny, nickel, dime, and quarter. Less commonly used coins include the fifty-cent coin and the dollar coin.
Note: The U.S. will no longer be making new pennies.
A Little More Grown-Up
Coins are a type of money issued by a government and made of metal. Different coins have different values and are commonly used in everyday spending, saving, and counting money.
Context Clues
You may see the word “coins” in Sammy Rabbit stories and activities when kids are learning to count money, sort coins, or save money in a piggy bank.
Sammy Says
Sammy Says:
“Every coin counts—especially when you save them together!”
Money Habit Connection
Learning about coins helps kids practice counting, understand money values, and build the habit of saving even small amounts of money.
Silly Sentence
My coins made so much noise in my pocket that they started their own band!
Serious Sentence
When you save your coins, you are practicing smart money habits that can help you reach your goals.
Rhyming Sentences
Silly Rhyming Sentence:
Coins go clink and coins go clank, straight into my piggy bank!
Serious Rhyming Sentence:
Each coin I save, both big and small, helps my money grow overall.
Examples of Coins
Pennies, nickels, dimes, and quarters
Coins saved in a piggy bank
Coins used to make change
Coins counted and sorted by value
Examples of What Is Not Coins
Paper money (dollar bills)
Digital money on a card or app
Checks or gift cards
Related Money Words
Coin • Penny • Nickel • Dime • Quarter • Money
Opposite Money Words
Paper money • Digital money
Questions Parents and Teachers Can Ask Kids
Ask your child or student:
“What coins do you know, and how are they different from each other?”
Remember
Coins may be small, but when you save and count them, they can add up to something big.
Get the Entire Dictionary in One PDF
Want a FREE printable PDF of the complete Sammy Rabbit Kid-Friendly Money Dictionary? Contact us to learn how to get a copy for your home, classroom, or community.
Keep Kids and Families Learning
Kids, families, and schools of every kind can enroll in Sammy Rabbit’s Money School with a FREE, PREMIUM or Group Discount Money School Memberships, giving learners access to engaging, age-appropriate financial education resources.
Parents, teachers, and community leaders are invited to explore the resources and teaching tips available on SammyRabbit.com, starting with award-winning financial educator Sam X Renick’s article series, Money Lessons Parents Should Teach Kids!
Schools, community organizations, employers, and partners can learn more about Sammy's Dream Big Financial Education curriculum, a flexible, standards-aligned approach designed to help children build strong money habits, confidence, and lifelong skills.
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