{"id":5645,"date":"2025-08-08T00:28:31","date_gmt":"2025-08-08T00:28:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/findbullionprices.com\/blog\/?p=5645"},"modified":"2026-06-03T15:41:07","modified_gmt":"2026-06-03T15:41:07","slug":"why-do-coins-have-ridges-or-reeded-edge","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/findbullionprices.com\/blog\/why-do-coins-have-ridges-or-reeded-edge\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Do Coins Have Ridges or Reeded Edge?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Coin collectors and bullion investors know that the reeded edge of a coin is more than just a boundary. The answer blends centuries of technological advancement, anti-counterfeiting measures, and pure numismatic artistry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Coin Clipping Origins of Reeded Edges <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

As silver and gold coins<\/a> circulated widely in global economies during the 17th century, it became common practice among some groups to “clip” small amounts of metal from the edges of coins. These tiny shavings, while insignificant by themselves, could add up to a significant amount when melted down. The trimmed coins, still accepted at full face value, undermined public trust.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To combat this, mints European mints introduced edge designs that made tampering obvious. In England, Sir Isaac Newton, <\/strong>then Warden of the Royal Mint, introduced coinage reforms that included the milled or reeded edge, which gained widespread adoption in the late 1600s.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Beyond Reeding: Early Edge Lettering and Decorative Designs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Before reeding became standardized, some coins featured a more elaborate method to prevent clipping. Edge lettering or decorative inscriptions became common in large silver and gold issues.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"1794
Lettered Edge of the 1794 Flowing Hair Dollar<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

The 1794 Flowing Hair Dollar, the first silver dollar minted in the United States, included the edge inscription “HUNDRED CENTS ONE DOLLAR OR UNIT”, a design meant to prevent clipping and bolster confidence in early federal coinage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Modern Reasons for the Reeded Edge<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Even though today’s circulating coins are made from base metals, reeded edges continue to serve key functions:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Anti-Counterfeiting<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Creating uniform ridges around the edge requires precise machinery. For counterfeiters, duplicating a reeded edge that matches genuine coins in both number and spacing of reeds presents an additional challenge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Denomination Differentiation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In the U.S., reeded edges help visually impaired individuals distinguish between similar-sized coins. This practical function supports accessibility efforts<\/a> in modern minting. For example:<\/p>\n\n\n\n