Why do coins have serrated edges?
Mint began adding ridges to thecoins’ edges, a process called “reeding,” in order to make it impossible to shave them down without the result being obvious. As a side benefit, the reeded edges also made coin design more intricate and counterfeiting more difficult.
Why are the edges of some coins notched?
The US Mint began putting notches on the edges of coins containing gold and silver to discourage holders of such coins from shaving off small quantities of the precious metals. Dimes, quarters and half-dollars are notched because they contain silver.
Why do coins not have smooth edges?
The modern dollar coins also do not have reeded edges. Pennies and nickels were always made of base metal, but until 1964 higher value coins were made of silver or gold. If the edge were plain it would be easy to scrape a little off the edge of the coin and keep the silver or gold.
Which coins have bumpy edges?
Quarters and dimes have a “reeded” edge, while nickels and cents have a “plain” edge. You may have noticed that the quarters and dimes in your pocket or purse have a “reeded” edge, featuring vertical grooves or ridges, while nickels and cents in your pocket have a “plain” or smooth edge.
Why is nickel so expensive?
Ultimately, nickel prices depend heavily on Chinese demand for everything from stainless steel products to batteries. If industrialization and urbanization in China renews its high growth trajectory, then the price of nickel should rise.
Why don’t pennies and nickels have ridges?
The reason why today’s pennies and nickels have no ridges is due to the lower value. Copper and zinc make up the penny while copper and nickel make up the nickel; as each metal is extremely cheap, the U.S. mint doesn’t bother to attach ridging to these small coins since there’s no longer any coin shavers who take advantage of the smooth edges.
Why do some coins have ridges on the edges?
According to the United States Mint ridges were added to the coins’ edges to prevent people from shaving the precious metal out of the sides. You see, back in the 18th century, dimes, quarters and half-dollars coins were actually made out of gold and silver.
Why do some coins have reeding on them?
With quarters and dimes that contain the reeding, as well as nickels and pennies that don’t, it helps people who have vision impairment know which coins they are about to spend on a purchase, or prevent them from jamming a nickel repeatedly into a gumball machine.
Did you know that dimes are actually made of gold?
You see, back in the 18th century, dimes, quarters and half-dollars coins were actually made out of gold and silver. Soon enough though, people started skimming the edges and made quite tidy sums by just selling the shavings.