Coins move through our hands every day with little thought, yet their design includes details shaped by centuries of practical need. One of the most noticeable features is the series of fine grooves along the edge of many coins. These ridges aren’t decorative or random—they were intentionally added to solve a serious problem at a time when money itself was easy to exploit. What looks like a small design choice actually played a big role in protecting trust in currency.
In earlier centuries, coins were often made from precious metals such as silver or gold. This created an opportunity for dishonest practices, as some people would shave tiny amounts of metal from the edges while keeping the coin usable. Over time, these small losses added up, weakening the value of circulating money and undermining public confidence. Governments needed a way to ensure coins stayed intact and trustworthy as they moved from hand to hand.
A lasting solution emerged in the late 1600s when ridged edges—also known as reeding—were introduced. This change made any tampering immediately obvious, since even a small alteration would disrupt the uniform pattern. The approach proved highly effective and quickly became standard practice. It marked an early example of smart, preventative design being used to discourage misuse and maintain economic stability.
Today, coin edges still serve important functions, even though modern currency is no longer made from precious metals. The ridges help machines accurately identify coins, make them easier to distinguish by touch, and support accessibility for people with limited vision. Just as importantly, they preserve a link to the past. Those tiny grooves are a reminder that thoughtful design—no matter how subtle—can protect value, build trust, and carry practical history into everyday life.