Number

Money: Euro Coins and Simple Totals

Junior Infants · Senior Infants · 1st Class · 2nd Class

  • Identify and name all euro coins (1c, 2c, 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, €1, €2).
  • State the value of each euro coin.
  • Count the total value of a collection of coins up to €1.
  • Solve simple problems involving adding coin values up to €1.

Key concepts

Euro Coins

These are the coins we use in Ireland. Each coin has a different value. We use 'c' for cent and '€' for euro. It's important to know what each coin looks like and how much it is worth: - 1 cent (1c): Smallest, copper colour, has a '1' on it. - 2 cent (2c): A bit bigger than 1c, copper colour, has a '2' on it. - 5 cent (5c): Bigger than 2c, copper colour, has a '5' on it. - 10 cent (10c): Small, gold colour, has a '10' on it. - 20 cent (20c): Medium size, gold colour, has a '20' on it. - 50 cent (50c): Largest gold coin, has a '50' on it. - 1 euro (€1): Has two colours (silver in the middle, gold ring), has a '1' on it. - 2 euro (€2): Has two colours (gold in the middle, silver ring), has a '2' on it.

Value of Coins

The value of a coin tells us how much it is worth. For example, a 5c coin is worth 5 cent. A €1 coin is worth 1 euro.

Counting Money

To find the total amount of money, we add up the value of all the coins together. It's often easiest to start by adding the coins with the biggest value first.

Cent and Euro

Cent is a smaller unit of money, and euro is a larger unit. There are 100 cent in 1 euro.

100c = €1

Key facts to remember

  • 1There are 8 different euro coins in circulation.
  • 2Each euro coin has a number on it that shows its value.
  • 3The 1c, 2c, and 5c coins are copper-coloured.
  • 4The 10c, 20c, and 50c coins are gold-coloured.
  • 5The €1 and €2 coins have two different colours.
  • 6To find the total amount of money, you add the values of all the coins.
  • 7100 cent (100c) is equal to 1 euro (€1).

Worked examples

Example 1

What is the value of this coin? (Imagine a picture of a 20c coin)

ILook carefully at the coin.
IINotice its colour (gold) and the number on it ('20').
IIIThis tells us it is a 20 cent coin.

Answer

It is a 20 cent coin (20c).

Example 2

How much money is there in total? (Imagine a picture of a 50c coin and a 10c coin)

IFirst, identify the value of each coin: One coin is 50c. The other coin is 10c.
IINow, add their values together: 50c + 10c.

Answer

There is 60c in total.

Always start counting from the coin with the biggest value. It makes it easier!

Example 3

Liam has a 20c coin, a 5c coin, and a 2c coin. How much money does he have?

IIdentify the value of each coin Liam has: 20c, 5c, 2c.
IIAdd the values together, starting with the biggest coin:
III20c + 5c = 25c
IVNow add the next coin: 25c + 2c = 27c.

Answer

Liam has 27c.

Common mistakes

  • Confusing the 1c, 2c, and 5c coins because they are all copper-coloured.
  • Confusing the 10c, 20c, and 50c coins because they are all gold-coloured.
  • Forgetting to add all the coins when finding a total.
  • Miscounting when adding multiple coins, especially if not starting with the largest values.

Exam tips

  • Always look very carefully at the number on each coin to know its value.
  • Use the colour and size of the coin to help you identify it quickly.
  • When adding up coins, always start with the coin that has the biggest value first. This helps prevent mistakes.
  • Double-check your answer by counting the coins again to make sure your total is correct.

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