Why Are Coins Reeded?

Reeding of edges was introduced to prevent coin clipping and counterfeiting. The main techniques of coin edging are edge mills of various types, which put a pattern on a smooth edge after a coin and coin mills with edge ring, which pattern the edge at the time when the coin is being milled.

Why are coins still reeded?

One reason for having reeded edges was to prevent counterfeiting. Some gold and silver coins were reeded to discourage clipping, i.e. scraping off the precious metals from the edge of the coin, to maintain its stated value in precious metal.

What does reeded mean on a coin?

Reeded: A series of small grooves running perpendicular that encompass the entire edge of the coin. Lettered: Letters can be relief or incuse into the edge of the coin. Grooved: This edge contains a groove that runs parallel to the surface of the coin and circumnavigates the entire edge of the coin.