Have you ever noticed the ridges on the edge of coins and wondered why they’re there? It turns out, there’s a surprisingly interesting historical reason behind this seemingly simple design feature.
In the past, coins were made from pure gold or silver, and their value was determined by the amount of precious metal they contained. This presented a problem – some people would try to shave off the edges of the coins, stealing a small amount of gold or silver without significantly altering the coin’s appearance. This practice, known as clipping or shaving, was a serious issue, as it devalued the coins and undermined the trust in the currency system.
To combat this, authorities introduced a clever solution: milled edges. These ridges, or grooves, on the sides of coins made it immediately apparent if someone had tampered with the coin. The ridges prevented any subtle shaving of the edges, making it much harder to steal the precious metals without being detected.
While today’s coins are no longer made of pure gold or silver, the tradition of milled edges persists. It’s a testament to the ingenuity and resourcefulness of those who sought to protect the integrity of the currency system.
Beyond preventing clipping, the milled edges serve another purpose: they make it harder to counterfeit coins. The ridges make it more difficult to create a perfect replica of a coin, deterring fraudsters. Additionally, some coins, like the 10p coin in the UK, have unique ridges that help distinguish them from other denominations, such as the 2p coin with its smooth edge.
So, the next time you hold a coin, take a moment to appreciate those seemingly simple ridges. They represent a clever solution to a real historical problem, protecting the integrity of currency and safeguarding our financial system.
