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Why do coins have ridged edges? Centuries-old reason explained
India🏛️ PoliticsCenter11 hr. ago

Why do coins have ridged edges? Centuries-old reason explained

The article explains the historical purpose and modern functions of ridged edges on coins. It traces the origin of this design to the 1500s–1600s in Europe, where ridges helped prevent 'coin clipping'—a fraudulent practice where criminals shaved off small amounts of precious metal from coins. These grooves made tampering detectable, restoring trust in currency. Today, while coins are no longer made of gold or silver, ridged edges remain for practical reasons: they allow visually impaired individuals to identify denominations by touch, improve grip, and add a minor layer of security against counterfeiting. The article notes that edge designs vary across currencies, with some featuring simple grooves and others incorporating engravings.

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1 reports

Times of India logoTimes of IndiaIndependentCenter11 hr. ago
Why do coins have ridged edges? Centuries-old reason explained

The article explains the historical purpose and modern functions of ridged edges on coins. It traces the origin of this design to the 1500s–1600s in Europe, where ridges helped prevent 'coin clipping'—a fraudulent practice where criminals shaved off small amounts of precious metal from coins. These grooves made tampering detectable, restoring trust in currency. Today, while coins are no longer made of gold or silver, ridged edges remain for practical reasons: they allow visually impaired individuals to identify denominations by touch, improve grip, and add a minor layer of security against counterfeiting. The article notes that edge designs vary across currencies, with some featuring simple grooves and others incorporating engravings.

Bias read (Center): The article presents a factual explanation of coin design history and functionality without overt ideological framing. While it discusses historical economic issues, it does not take a partisan stance on contemporary monetary policies or political debates. The focus remains on technical and economic

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