Lessons That Make Cents

Explore the History of WWII

This year the U.S. Mint produced special coins and medals honoring the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II. To further mark this victory, the Mint added a “V75” privy mark on the 2020 America the Beautiful Quarters made at West Point. Join the Mint in recognizing this historic event and the service of the U.S. military this month with lessons, games, and more.

Monthly Mint Trivia: In 1943, the U.S. Mint briefly stopped producing pennies using copper because it was needed for the war effort. What material was used instead?

Check Answer

Military Service

lesson that make cents feature world war II coin

The Mint has a long history of honoring military service with coins and medals, celebrating the courage and sacrifice of veterans. Individuals, units, and divisions within the armed forces have been recognized through unique and inspiring designs.

The “V75” privy mark design uses the shape of the Rainbow Pool at the National World War II Memorial along with “V75,” signifying the anniversary of this historic victory. Military service lessons on the U.S. Mint website include:

What is Peace? (Grades 2-3) Starting with the Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial Quarter, students will define peace and determine how they can contribute to peace in their families, schools and communities. Students will convey how they imagine a peaceful world.
Serving Our Nation (Grades 3-8) Students will read about and research the lives of specific war veterans who have been honored on coins or medals to compare their common characteristics and differences.
Extra! Extra! Read All About the American Memorial Park and War in the Pacific National Historical Park (Grades 3-5) Students will play the role of a local news reporter and write an article about a national historical park or memorial and its significance to American history
Veterans and POWs (Grades 6-8) Students will use online resources (including the U.S. Mint’s H.I.P. Pocket Change website to investigate the role veterans and POWs played in our nation’s history.
Fact Checking History (Grades 9-12) Students will be able to describe the significance of the Battles of Saratoga using primary and secondary sources. Students will explain the importance of using multiple primary sources to become an informed citizen.

Want more ideas? Reach out to education.outreach@usmint.treas.gov for recommendations on lesson plans and activities for your students.

Coin of the Month: 75th Anniversary of the End of World War II

lesson that make cents coin of the month image end of WWII 75th anniversary coin This year marks the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II. To honor the sacrifices and bravery of Americans who served during the war, the U.S. Mint released four new numismatic products in Fall 2020.

World War II lasted from 1939 to 1945, pitting the Allies, including the United Kingdom, Soviet Union, and United States, against the nationalistic ambitions of Nazi Germany, Italy, and Japan. The U.S. entered the war in December 1941 after the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. Fighting occurred across Europe, Africa, and Asia, and throughout the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. Millions of service members lost their lives, more than 400,000 of which were Americans. But the war also cost the lives of tens of millions more civilians, including six million Jews in the Holocaust.

Nazi Germany surrendered on May 8, 1945, marking victory in Europe. Japan announced its surrender on August 14, 1945 and formally signed on September 2, bringing a complete end to the war.

Read about each of the products and their designs in this Inside the Mint article.

Coin Drop

lesson that make cents Peter the Eagle flying
Play Peter the Eagle’s Coin Drop and help deliver Liberty Loans to the Allies in France during WWI.

Holiday Lessons

lessons that make cents winter snowy tree image
Celebrate winter holiday traditions and learn about their connection to coins on the Winter Holidays page.

Then & Now

first Mint building in Philadelphia
Show students how coin making has changed since the 1940s in the U.S. Mint’s Then & Now video series.

We Want to Hear from You!

Are you interested in incorporating coins into your classroom next year, but aren’t sure where to start? Let us help you! The U.S. Mint offers K-12 lesson plans, 12 online educational games, 100+ videos, online quizzes, a free 2020 Coin Coloring Book PDF, and other resources. Reach out to us at education.outreach@usmint.treas.gov to request resources that fit your education needs.

Trivia Answer: In 1943, the Mint made pennies of steel instead of copper.