The ridged edges found on many modern coins are more than a decorative feature—they are the result of centuries-old efforts to combat fraud and protect the value of currency.
During the 1600s, coins were commonly made from precious metals such as silver and gold. Criminals often shaved small amounts of metal from the edges, a practice known as “coin clipping,” while continuing to use the lighter coins at their full face value. As the theft became more widespread, it threatened public confidence in currency and posed serious economic challenges.
One of the key figures in addressing the problem was Isaac Newton, who served as Warden of the Royal Mint. Under his leadership, coins were produced with ridged, or “reeded,” edges, making any attempt to clip metal immediately noticeable. The innovation helped reduce fraud and strengthened trust in the monetary system.
Although today’s quarters, dimes, and many other coins are no longer made from precious metals, the ridged edges remain. They continue to aid in counterfeit detection, help vending machines and other automated systems identify coins, and provide a tactile feature that can assist people with visual impairments. More than three centuries later, the simple design serves as a lasting reminder of how practical innovations helped secure the integrity of everyday money.
