The Hidden Story Behind Coin Ridges
Quarters’ ridged edges (reeds) aren’t decorative but a centuries-old anti-fraud measure. In the 17th century coin clipping—shaving silver from edges—was common; clipped coins looked intact but lost metal, threatening economies. Sir Isaac Newton, Warden of the Royal Mint in 1696, introduced reeded edges so shaving would be obvious: clipped coins show broken grooves. Newton even…