Here are the coins you will use most: the penny, nickel, dime and quarter. Each one is worth some cents (¢). Counting by 5s and 10s (Skip Counting by 5s, 10s and 100s) will help.
| Coin | Value | Same as |
|---|---|---|
| penny | 1¢ | 1 penny |
| nickel | 5¢ | 5 pennies |
| dime | 10¢ | 2 nickels, or 10 pennies |
| quarter | 25¢ | 5 nickels, or 2 dimes and 1 nickel |
Why it works
A coin’s value comes from its name, not its size. That is why you have to learn each one. A dollar is 100¢: that is 4 quarters, 10 dimes or 20 nickels.
Worked example: Nickel or dime?
Which is worth more, a nickel or a dime?
- A nickel is 5¢. A dime is 10¢.
- 10 is more than 5, so the dime is worth more, even though it is smaller.
Answer: a dime
Worked example: Make 25¢ without a quarter
How can you make 25¢ with dimes and a nickel?
- Count the dimes by 10s: 10, 20.
- Add a nickel: 25.
Answer: 2 dimes and 1 nickel
Key idea
Penny 1¢, nickel 5¢, dime 10¢, quarter 25¢. Size does not tell value.
Common mistake
Thinking a nickel is worth more than a dime because it is bigger. Check by saying the values: nickel 5, dime 10.
Grown-up tip: Empty a coin jar and sort the coins together, saying each coin’s name and value.