Why Do Coins Have Ridges? Unveiling the Ingenious Anti-Tampering Feature!

Ever pondered on the reason behind the ridged edges on certain coins? Interestingly, it’s all to do with security and preventing fraudulent activity. In bygone eras, coins were minted with different weights to denote their actual value. However, crafty individuals found ways to shave these coins’ edges, melt them down and produce new ones. Hence, to counteract this, ridges were introduced along the edges, making any tampering attempts glaringly obvious.

Next time you’re sorting through coins, take note of the distinctive textured edges on quarters and dimes, absent on nickels and pennies. These ridges narrate a rich history and serve as a testament to the security measures engraved on these small pieces of currency. Don’t just count your change, take a moment to marvel at the fascinating tales these ridges tell!