Posted 11/21/2009 3:21 pm
Originally they were used to detect or prevent a coin from being filed along the edges. Coins made of silver and gold were often filed of some precious metal before being spent.
The following was found on the mints website:
The following was found on the mints website:
Quote:
Why do some coins have grooves on the edges and why are they there?
The dollar, half-dollar, quarter, and 10-cent coin (dime) denominations were originally produced from precious metals (gold and silver). Reeded edges were eventually incorporated into the design of these denominations to deter counterfeiting and fraudulent use of the coins, for example, filing down the edges in an attempt to recover the precious metals.
The one-cent (penny) and five-cent pieces (nickels) are considered "minor" coins of the United States and have never contained precious metals.
Currently, none of the coins produced for circulation contain precious metals. However, the continued use of reeded edges on current circulating coinage of larger denominations is useful to the visually impaired. For example, the 10-cent (dime) and one-cent coins are similar in size; the reeding of the dime makes it easily identifiable by touch.
Why do some coins have grooves on the edges and why are they there?
The dollar, half-dollar, quarter, and 10-cent coin (dime) denominations were originally produced from precious metals (gold and silver). Reeded edges were eventually incorporated into the design of these denominations to deter counterfeiting and fraudulent use of the coins, for example, filing down the edges in an attempt to recover the precious metals.
The one-cent (penny) and five-cent pieces (nickels) are considered "minor" coins of the United States and have never contained precious metals.
Currently, none of the coins produced for circulation contain precious metals. However, the continued use of reeded edges on current circulating coinage of larger denominations is useful to the visually impaired. For example, the 10-cent (dime) and one-cent coins are similar in size; the reeding of the dime makes it easily identifiable by touch.
Edited by ratman4762
11/21/2009 3:28 pm
11/21/2009 3:28 pm
