In The Last of Us Part II, there are many layers to uncover beyond its gripping narrative and emotionally charged gameplay. Among the various collectibles scattered throughout the ruined cities and overgrown wilderness is a unique subset known as the coins. These collectibles are directly tied to a trophy called ‘Numismatist,’ and pursuing this achievement offers a rewarding side journey for players who enjoy exploration and attention to detail. The coins not only deepen the sense of immersion in the post-apocalyptic world but also highlight subtle character development, particularly for Abby, one of the game’s central figures.
What Is the Numismatist Trophy?
The Numismatist trophy in The Last of Us 2 is awarded to players who collect all the coins hidden across the game. Unlike the superhero trading cards collected by Ellie, which dominate the first half of the game, the coins are exclusively tied to Abby’s chapters. This change in collectible type mirrors the shift in perspective between the two protagonists and further differentiates their character arcs and interests.
To unlock the Numismatist trophy, players must collect a total of 32 coins, each representing a U.S. state. These coins are hidden in various environments during Abby’s portion of the story, often tucked away in drawers, corners, or under debris. Collecting them all requires keen observation and a willingness to explore off the beaten path.
Coin Collecting and Gameplay Integration
Why Coins Matter
Though not essential to completing the main storyline, coins serve several purposes within the gameplay experience:
- Character Development: The coins reflect Abby’s personal interests, suggesting a deeper, more human side to her personality beyond her hardened exterior.
- Worldbuilding: Each coin you find reminds the player of the world that once existed, creating a quiet but poignant contrast to the game’s dark present.
- Exploration Incentive: Coins are often hidden in less obvious places, encouraging players to search every nook and cranny and rewarding thoroughness with tangible progress.
Where to Find Coins
The coins are spread out through Abby’s playable chapters, starting with ‘The Stadium’ and continuing through levels like ‘Seattle Day 1,’ ‘The Coast,’ and more. Below is an overview of where these coins can be found and how to make sure you don’t miss them:
- The Stadium: The first coin (Alaska) is found in Abby’s room, setting the stage for this collectible journey.
- On Foot: Coins are located near coffee shops, counters, and under ruined vehicles. Pay attention to street corners and loading docks.
- The Forward Base: Several coins are scattered throughout military installations. Be sure to search desks and interior tents.
- The Coast: Coins can be hidden inside wrecked boats, abandoned vehicles, or next to collapsed buildings. Look for less obvious routes and crawlspaces.
As the coins are small and often blend into the environment, players are encouraged to use the game’s listen mode and lighting system to identify interactable objects. Zooming the camera and moving slowly through new areas will also help prevent missing these collectibles.
Tips for Earning the Numismatist Trophy
Because coins are easy to overlook, it’s entirely possible to miss one or more during a first playthrough. Here are several tips for players who want to ensure they collect all 32 coins and earn the Numismatist trophy:
Use Chapter Select
Fortunately, The Last of Us Part II includes a chapter select feature that tracks which collectibles have been obtained in each section. If you miss a coin, you don’t need to replay the entire game. Simply go back to the specific chapter and search again, then complete the section so the collectible is saved to your profile.
Be Thorough
Coins are often hidden behind objects or placed in corners that don’t seem to lead anywhere. Don’t be afraid to double back or explore seemingly empty rooms. Pay attention to environments that resemble tourist attractions or federal buildings, as they often hide coins.
Keep Notes
If you’re attempting to collect coins without a guide, it helps to write down the state name of each one as you find it. This will make it easier to identify which coins you’re missing if you come up short by the end of the game.
Replay As Needed
Even if you miss coins during your first run, the game’s New Game Plus mode allows you to go through the story again with your current upgrades. This makes exploring and locating missed collectibles easier the second time around.
The Role of Coins in Abby’s Characterization
The use of coins in The Last of Us Part II is more than a gameplay mechanic; it’s also a storytelling tool. Abby’s interest in collecting state coins subtly portrays a side of her that contrasts with her brutal survivalist nature. It implies a sense of order, nostalgia, or perhaps even longing for a world that has been lost. The coins act as quiet companions in her journey, reminding players that even in the midst of violence and revenge, traces of humanity persist.
These small metal tokens may seem insignificant at first, but as players continue to collect them, they begin to appreciate how much character depth they silently convey. In a world stripped of its systems and structure, clinging to a personal hobby like numismatics is an act of remembrance and resistance against complete emotional detachment.
Numismatist Trophy and Completionists
For trophy hunters and completionists, the Numismatist trophy is a must-have. It’s not the hardest trophy in the game, but it does require dedication and attention to detail. Combined with other collectible-based trophies such as Archivist or Prepared for the Worst, Numismatist plays a key role in achieving 100% completion.
It’s also a fan favorite among those who appreciate hidden details in games. Many players have expressed that collecting the coins became one of their most memorable parts of Abby’s storyline, transforming exploration from a chore into a compelling and emotionally rich activity.
In The Last of Us Part II, every detail serves a purpose from the environment design to the collectibles tucked away in forgotten corners. The coins tied to the Numismatist trophy are not just optional objectives; they’re symbols of personality, humanity, and introspection. For players willing to explore deeply, these tiny artifacts tell a bigger story about the people who survive in the post-pandemic world and how they cling to their identity amidst chaos. Whether you’re a first-time player or a returning fan aiming for full completion, don’t overlook the power and meaning behind every coin you collect.