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Those ridges date back to when some U.S. coins were made of silver or gold. Without reeding (the ridges), it would be easy for someone to scrape off shavings of the metal to keep, and then the coin wouldn't contain its full value of metal content. Cents and nickels were of such low value and lacking precious metals that reeding was unnecessary.

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Why do some coins have smooth edges and others have ridged edges?

Coins with smooth edges often represent a simpler design or are meant to signify a lower denomination, while ridged edges, or reeding, serve several purposes. The ridges help prevent counterfeiting by making it more difficult to shave off metal without detection. Additionally, they enhance grip and handling, making it easier for users to recognize and differentiate coins, especially in larger quantities.


What is reeding on a coin?

"Reeding" is the special term used to describe the ridges found on the edges of many coins. Reeding was originally used on coins containing precious metals like gold or silver to make if obvious if anyone had "scraped" a coin. Scraping is the illegal practice of using a sharp instrument to remove a tiny amount of metal from the edge of a coin. Individually, each coin only loses a small amount of metal but a criminal could accumulate a significant amount of metal by scraping large quantities of coins. Today, many countries use reeding or variations of it to make it easier for people with limited vision to identify coins by touch. For example, in the EU some euro coins have close reeding (i.e. a lot of thin ridges), others have wide reeding (a smaller number of thicker ridges), and still others have interrupted reeding (alternating patterns of smooth and reeded portions)


Why does your quarter not have any ridges?

The absence of ridges on some quarters is due to the coin's manufacturing process. Quarters without ridges are known as "smooth edge" quarters and are commonly found in uncirculated coin sets or special collector's editions. These quarters are legal tender and can be used just like regular quarters with ridges.


Why are there ridges on dimes and quarters?

The ridges on the edges of dimes and quarters was designed to prevent both counterfeiting and 'clipping' -- the practice of shaving some of the metal off the edge, which would quickly add up, seeing as the coins were originally made of silver.


What are facts about greek coins?

the picture on the coins were different for each city state. just like today some coins a worth more than others


What are the ridges on the side of some coins called?

There are a number of ways that people have referred to it but the two most common is known as reeding or a reeded edge or milling and a milled edge.


Does this 2000 gold liberty coin have smooth edges?

Please stop by a bank and ask them for some other $1 coins. All "golden" dollars have smooth edges to make them more identifiable to people who are blind or have limited vision. The coins' smooth edges make it easier to tell them apart from quarters and half dollars when touched.


What do you do with the coins once you start earning?

Save some and use others to pay bills


Is the inside of your vagina supposed to be bumpy?

The interior of the vagina is different on every woman. Some are smooth, others are textured and bumpy. If the bump is not painful and has not caused any health issues it should be fine. However if you find that it is painful or uncomfortable you should see your OBGYN for an examination.


How many combinations make 1.00 with 15 coins or less?

It depends on what the coinage is. Some countries have coins worth 0.25, others (UK, for example) do not.


Why do some bottles have ridges and others do not?

i am sure its because of the 3 R's they explain on the bottle caps that have ridges that they have this new style to use less plastic and how saving the Eco-system can change with these type of bottle caps...... so i am sure its because of that


Is a hippos skin scaly rough slimy furry or smooth?

its rough at some parts but smooth in others. they also have hair in small areas around the body