Coin Rubbing Toy Shop: Free Printable Card Set for Ages 2 to 4

Coin Rubbing Toy Shop is a free printable card set for Ages 2 to 4 in Early Years. Children rub a coin to make a picture of it, cut out the cards, then play shop. They match coins to toy tags by counting the spots on each tag. It needs only paper and a pencil or crayon, and page 2 gives the grown up notes, help ideas, a stretch idea and answers.

It comes from the Mini Minds Hub, the free library of printables from Jaques of London, the British games and toy company that has been making games for families since 1795. Print both pages, give page 1 to your child and keep page 2 for yourself. Black and white printing works well.

What is on the sheet

Page 1 has boxes where children rub a 1p coin, a 2p coin and a 10p coin, and one more box for any coin they like. There are also toy tags for a Duck, a Ball and a Robot. Each tag shows a price in pence and a row of spots. Children cut out the cards, pick a tag, count the spots and find the coin card that matches.

• Rub a 1p coin here
• Rub a 2p coin here
• Rub a 10p coin here
• Rub any coin you like
• Duck: 1p ●
• Ball: 2p ●●
• Robot: 10p ●●●●●●●●●●

Setting up your toy shop

Why play shop with young children?

Small coins can be a choking risk for young children. Stay with your child whenever real coins are out, and put them away afterwards. Adults should help with cutting, and children should use child safe scissors only.

Fun facts about coins

• Money in the UK is counted in pounds and pence. The letter p stands for pence.
• Coins have raised patterns on them. That is why a rubbing picks up the picture.
• Many UK coins show the head of a king or queen on one side.
• Coins in a purse can look a little different from each other, because they were made in different years.
• One pound is the same as 100 pence.

Skills and curriculum link

• Knowing coins
• Matching
• Counting spots
• Fine motor control
• Talking about money

How this sheet helps early learners

• Touch and lookRubbing a coin makes children notice its size, edge and pattern. Looking and feeling together helps them remember what each coin is like.
• Counting one by oneTouching each spot as they count helps children link each number word to one object. This is a key early counting habit.
• MatchingFinding the card that goes with a tag builds careful looking. Children compare what they see and decide whether it fits.
• Pretend play and talkPlaying shopkeeper and shopper gives children new words and a reason to ask, answer and take turns.

Key words

• CoinA piece of money you can hold. Coins come in different sizes and shapes, and each one has a value.
• RubbingA picture made by rubbing a crayon or pencil over paper placed on a raised pattern.
• PriceHow much something costs.
• PenceThe small money we use in the UK. The letter p stands for pence.
• ShopkeeperThe person who sells things in a shop.
• MatchTo find two things that go together.

How to use it

1. Print both pages. Page 1 is for your child. Keep page 2 for yourself, as it has the notes and answers.
2. Rub the coins first. Let your child press the paper and rub with the side of a crayon. Say the name of each coin as the picture appears.
3. Cut out the coin rubbings and toy tags. An adult can do the cutting, or help your child.
4. Let your child pick a toy tag, count the spots together, then find the coin card that matches.
5. Check with page 2 and talk about each choice. Come back another day. Repeating a familiar activity builds confidence.

Help, stretch and game ideas

Talk about it

• What can you feel when you rub the coin?
• Which coin is your favourite, and why?
• What can you see on the front of the coin?
• What would you like to buy in our toy shop?
• Can you count the spots with your finger?
• How do you know this card matches this tag?

Take it off the page

Who it is for

Where this fits in learning about money

Before this sheet, children benefit from counting small groups of objects, sorting things by colour or size and playing pretend games. These build the careful looking and one by one counting that coin matching needs.

After this sheet, children can move on to naming more coins, counting small amounts of money in pence and choosing coins to pay for items in a play shop. Over time, this leads to adding amounts of money and giving change.

Questions parents and teachers ask

What age is Coin Rubbing Toy Shop for?

It is written for Ages 2 to 4 in Early Years. Younger children can start with the rubbing and naming. Older children can match tags to coins and take turns as the shopkeeper.

What will children practise?

Children practise knowing 1p, 2p and 10p coins by touch and sight. They also match coins to toy tags by counting spots, and use shop play to talk about money.

How do I use it?

Rub the coins, cut out the cards, then let your child pick a toy tag. Count the spots together and find the coin card that matches. Check with the notes on page 2.

What if it feels too hard?

Start with just the 1p and the Duck tag. Say the name of each coin as your child rubs it. Add more tags only when your child is ready.

Is it free?

Yes. It is free to print for home and classroom use. You can print it again for brothers, sisters or another group.

How long does it take?

It depends on your child. Keep sessions short and stop while it is still fun. You can split the rubbing, cutting and shop play across different days.

Is it safe to use real coins?

Yes, with care. Small coins can be a choking risk, so always stay with your child and put the coins away afterwards. The paper cards are fine for play on their own.