Next time you pick up a dime or a quarter, take a closer look — you’ll notice tiny ridges etched along the edges. They’re so common we hardly think about them, but the truth is these ridges have a fascinating history, and the reason behind them might surprise you.
Back in the days when coins were made of precious metals like silver and gold, people figured out a sneaky trick: they would shave off tiny slivers of metal from the smooth edges of coins. Over time, those shavings could be melted down and sold — all while the coin still looked normal and was used in circulation. This scam, called “clipping,” was so widespread that it threatened the entire money system.
The solution? Milled edges — what we now call ridges. By adding those fine grooves, it became instantly obvious if a coin had been tampered with. No more clipping without getting caught.
Today, coins aren’t made of pure gold or silver anymore, but the ridges remain. Partly as tradition, partly to help people (especially those with impaired vision) distinguish between coins by touch, and partly to prevent counterfeiting.
So those little ridges aren’t just decoration — they’re a centuries-old safeguard that kept money honest.