For the toss of a penny, the probability of it landing with its head faceup is 50%. If it lands with its head up, the awarded value is 3 points. Otherwise the point is 0. Therefore the expected value of the point awarded for the toss of a penny is 3 x 50% + 0 x 50% = 3/2.

The same can also be said of the toss of a nickel and a dime. Therefore the expected value of the total points awarded is 3/2 +3/2 +3/2 = 9/2.