Coins are objects we handle every day, yet many of us overlook the clever design choices built into them. One feature that often goes unnoticed is the ridged or grooved edge found on many coins. These ridges were not added for decoration—they were a practical solution to a serious problem in the history of money.

In centuries past, coins were made from valuable metals like gold and silver. The coin’s worth was tied directly to its metal content, which created an incentive for dishonest practices such as “clipping,” where small amounts of metal were shaved from the edges and sold separately. Even minor clipping could undermine the coin’s value, destabilize local economies, and erode public trust.

Early attempts to stop clipping included strict punishments and frequent re-minting, but these solutions were costly and reactive. The more ingenious answer was to build a safeguard directly into the coin: the ridged edge. With these grooves, any tampering became immediately noticeable. A clipped coin disrupted the pattern, allowing anyone handling it—from shopkeepers to government officials—to detect fraud at a glance.

The practice was championed in the late 17th century by Isaac Newton, who oversaw England’s Royal Mint. Newton’s innovations ensured coins had uniform weight, precise dimensions, and clearly visible reeded edges. His work not only solved a practical problem but also reinforced the broader principle that currency should be reliable, transparent, and trusted by the public.

Ridged edges became a standard worldwide, long after coins stopped being made of precious metals. Today, they serve multiple purposes: they help vending machines and coin counters identify denominations, provide tactile guidance for visually impaired individuals, and even make coins easier to handle.

What began as a simple anti-fraud measure evolved into a lasting symbol of trust and ingenuity. Coin ridges show how small, thoughtful design choices can solve complex problems and leave a legacy that lasts for centuries.