Coin edge

Coin edges may be plain (smooth) or patterned, or a combination of both. They can also include lettering.

Coin edge enscription mill

Reeded edges are often referred to as "ridged" or "grooved" (US usage), or "milled" (UK usage).[1] Some coins, such as United States quarters and dimes, have reeded edges. Reeding of edges was introduced to prevent coin clipping and counterfeiting.[2][3]

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.

Coin edge patterns

Examples of patterns used on coin edges include:

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References

1. Concise Oxford Dictionary (2006): mill, produce regular ribbed markings on the edge of (a coin)
2. About.com: "Reeded Edge Defined - What is a Reeded Edge?"
3. Why do some coins have ridges around the edges?