Why Coins Have Ridges

The History of Ridged Coins

Ridges on coins, also known as reeding, originated hundreds of years ago. In the 17th century, coins were often made from precious metals like gold and silver. Because these metals were valuable, unscrupulous people would shave off small amounts from the edges, collecting the shavings and leaving lighter coins behind.

To prevent this, mints began adding ridges to the edges of coins. The grooves made it immediately obvious if a coin had been tampered with, protecting the coin’s weight and value.

Practical Reasons for Ridges Today

Even though modern coins are rarely made from precious metals, ridges still serve important functions:

1. Anti-Counterfeiting
   • Ridged edges make coins harder to duplicate. Counterfeiters must reproduce not just the design but also the precise grooves.
2. Tactile Recognition
   • People can identify coins by touch, especially useful for visually impaired individuals. For example, a quarter feels different from a nickel because of its ridges.
3. Durability and Wear Resistance
   • Grooved edges reduce the wear and tear on coins over time, helping them last longer in circulation.

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