The Hidden History Behind Coin Ridges: Why Dimes and Quarters Have Those Tiny Grooves

Why Only Some Coins Have Ridges

• Dimes and quarters have ridged edges because they were traditionally made with silver and held higher value. Protecting these coins was essential.
• Pennies and nickels are smooth because they contain less valuable metals, so the risk and impact of clipping were lower.
• Modern coins use different materials and production techniques, but the ridges remain as a nod to tradition and a tactile aid for the visually impaired.

More Than Just History: Practical Uses Today

Besides preventing fraud, the ridges on coins serve a few other purposes:

• Help the visually impaired identify coins by touch — different coins have different ridge patterns or smooth edges.
• Enhance grip — the texture makes coins easier to handle and less likely to slip out of your fingers.
• Maintain tradition and design consistency in currency.

Fun Fact: The Term “Reeding”

The tiny grooves on coin edges are called reeds or reeding, which is why you’ll sometimes hear people say coins are “reeded” or have “reeded edges.”

Final Thoughts

Next time you hold a dime or quarter, take a moment to run your finger along those tiny ridges. You’re touching a clever solution designed centuries ago to protect the value of money and maintain trust in the economy.

Those little grooves tell a big story — a story about innovation, security, and the evolution of currency that still shapes the coins we use today.

Curious about other coin facts or the history of currency? Just let me know!