U.S. History
Why Do Some Coins Have Ridged Edges?
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Article
You’ve probably noticed that of the four coins that are in wide circulation in the United States today, two, the dime and the quarter, have a series of ridges on the edge. According to the U.S. Mint, this is technically referred to as a reeded edge. But is the reeded edge purely decorative, or does it serve a purpose? The answer goes all the way back to the 17th century, before the U.S. was even founded. Credit: Kean Collection/ Archive Photos via Getty Images When the U.S. Mint opened in Philadelphia in 1793, the coins ...Read More
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