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So why do quarters, dimes, and half-dollars still have ridges?
Because the tradition stuck — and it still serves three crucial purposes:
1. Security Against Counterfeiting
Even today, reeding is part of a coin’s security profile.
Modern counterfeiters struggle to reproduce the exact number and depth of ridges
Vending machines and banks use sensors to “read” the edge — helping detect fakes
2. Accessibility for the Visually Impaired
- Ridges aren’t just for machines.
- They’re for people.
- For those who are blind or low-vision, texture matters.
- A smooth-edged penny or nickel feels different from a ridged dime or quarter
This helps users distinguish coins by touch — a design feature that’s both practical and inclusive
This wasn’t prepared in the 1600s but it’s a beautiful modern benefit.3. Consistency & Familiarity
We’re used to it.
We predict it.
Coins with ridges just feel like money. They sound different when they clink. They roll differently.
And in a world of digital payments, that tactile experience still matters.