Coin

money · history · trade

What coins are for. Coins are small metal discs that people use to buy and sell things. Governments make them in huge quantities at special factories called mints to make sure everyone has money to trade with.

Carefully weighed. Every coin of the same type weighs exactly the same amount. This makes coins fair and trustworthy, you know a dollar coin is always worth the same whether you get it today or tomorrow.

Heads and tails. Coins have pictures, numbers, or words stamped on both sides. The front side (called "heads") usually shows the face of an important person, while the back side (called "tails") often has other designs.

Made by governments. Most coins are officially created and released by governments, which is why they're accepted everywhere as real money. This keeps the value of money stable and trustworthy.