Are any of you a counselor for the Boy Scout Coin Collecting merit badge?

MastaHanky

Just curious.

If you are, hopefully you're not a Catholic priest too.

BigE

I did not know they had those, I would like to get one someday---------------------------------BigE

DoubleDime

Years ago I tryed to become one but no deal. The scoutmaster said Coin Collecting was one of the most worthless Merit Badges there was as it didn't teach any skills. Whenever a scout showed an interest in a Merit Badge as this, he would steer the boy away from it in another direction.

I joined the Boy Scouts in 1967 and earned the Coin Collecting Merit Badge in 1971. When I first joined the badge showed an ancient coin yet when I did earned it, it was changed to show George Washington as on the quarter. I'm looking for the ancient coin design badge, any help ?

coinnerd

I volunteered to be one about six years ago. Not one scout from the local troop was interested. Very disappointing.

Conder101

I used to be back when I lived in Ky. I was very disappointed in the requirements for the badge though. it is possible to earn that badge and only "collect" six coins. A Llincoln cent, a Jefferson nickel, a Roosevelt dime, a Washington quarter, a Kennedy half, and an indian dollar. Make sure the nickel is a 68, 69, or 70-S so you have all the mintmarks. All the rest of the requirements can be satisfied verbally, by making drawings, and a short essay.

SarasotaFrank

I earned that Badge in 1966, and do have the old version. The Scouts were much different then, but I believe I am probably a better person than I would have been had I not been a member of the Boy Scouts. I don't know if today's Boy Scout program is as valuable as it used to be.

JD

Hey, you can all think what you want about scouting...it was the coin merit badge 30 yrs ago that got me interested in collecting coins. And I'm still doing it, I think that's a good thing... Scouting also got me interested in coffee (which I still drink), wacky weed (which my wife made me quit), the Sea Scouts (they were all girls, in sailor uniforms, yum!) and mountain climbing which I still love with a passion. So, knock catholic priests all you want but scouting still rules!

calgolddiver

I earned this merit badge in 1968. It was my second one earned. I still have the 20th century type set that was the requirement at that time. Maybe I should submit it to PCGS ! I'm sure I still have a coin or two that meet Braddick grading standards.

I'm still collecting after all these years. I find it interesting and troubling that a scout master would steer any scout away from any merit badge. As if one field of interest is better than any other. Perhaps the requirements have been over simplified (six coins instead of a full type set) but I think it can continue to instill a passion for collecting at an early age.

DoubleDime

I'm not familiar with the requirements now but they did seem to be relaxed from the time I earned the badge to when I tried to be a counselor. With me the "big" requirement was the type set of 20th Century U.S. coins. I owe my interest in coin collecting to this merit badge.

I truly enjoyed Scouting and did become an Eagle Scout. During the time I was in Scouting, 1967-74, only one other scout in my troop earned the Coin Collecting Merit Badge and in a small way I helped him out.

Mrpawn

Scoutmaster for 14 Eagle Scouts and I cannot count the other Scouts that I have worked with. Some of these choose to do the Coin Collecting Merit Badge.

Currently Advancement Chairman for the Inland Northwest Council.

If anyone is interested in helping this great program for boys, look up Boy Scouts of America in your local phone book. Call them and sign up. It does not cost you any money to be a merit badge counselor. There are a few guidelines to follow for your and the boys safety.

Anyone with questions feel free to PM me or ask here.

JR