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What’s a coin edge?
What’s the purpose and meaning of it and why are some coin edges reeded and some smooth?
Learn it all right below!
- What is a Coin Edge (Meaning and Definition)
- What is the Edge of a Coin Called? What are the Types of Coin Edges?
- What is Edge Lettering on a Coin?
- What is a Reeded Edge on a Coin?
- Which US Coin has a Smooth Edge and no Inscription of Its Value?
- How Many Edges Does one Coin Have? What’s a Coin Edge Called?
- Do Gold IRA Coins Have Radically Different Edges than Normal Coins?
Here’s an awesome quiz about coin edges based on this post. Take it after you’ve read this guide for your best results.
Table of Contents
What is a Coin Edge (Meaning and Definition)
A coin edge is the outer border or perimeter that encircles the coin’s circumference.
Coin edge isn’t just a simple border. Instead, it carries significance in design, security, and authenticity. Different coins have varied edges, each with distinct characteristics.
Smooth coin edges have a plain, uninterrupted border. Reeded edges (also known as serrated or milled edges), are evenly spaced vertical grooves around the coin’s circumference.
Some coins boast lettering on their edges.
Lettering includes inscriptions like the coin’s denomination or the name of the issuing country. These incused or lettered edges add an additional layer of security, complexity and detail.
Decorative edges often showcase intricate patterns or symbols.
Austrian Corona is an excellent example of a coin with a decorative edge. Its decorative edge features the inscription “VNITIS VIRIEVS”. This inscription translates to “strength in unity” or “with united forces”.
Note: elaborate coin edges aren’t’ just there to be eye pleasing. They also have protective function and help prevent mass coin counterfeiting.
The types of coin edges are:
- Reeded edge. A reeded coin edge helps identify coins based of its series of vertical grooves. Many coins have this design, including U.S. quarters and dimes.
- Plain edge. Plain coin edge features a smooth, uninterrupted surface. Plain edge coins garner attention because of their simplicity and elegance and these coins have timeless appeal.
- Lettering edge. Lettering coin edge includes inscriptions, like the phrases or symbols imprinted along the border. It’s common to find denominations or mint marks among these inscriptions.
- Decorated edge. Some coin edges are highly decorated. Patterns like flowers or vines enhance the visual appeal and showcase the artistry involved in coin minting.
- Knurled edge. Knurled coin edge is designed with a textured pattern and provides better coin grip. Knurled edge is a unique identification feature, making the coin easier to handle and recognize.
Which type of coin edge is the most effective at preventing counterfeiting?
Reeded coin edges are the most effective at preventing counterfeiting because they make it significantly more difficult to shave off metal from the coin’s edge without being easily detected.
In general, any type of elaborate coin edge is more effective at deterring coin clipping than plain coin edges.
What is the Edge of a Coin Called? What are the Types of Coin Edges?
The edge of a coin is often referred to as “the third side.” It’s the area surrounding the coin’s circumference, and it plays a significant role in its identification and authenticity.
What is Edge Lettering on a Coin?
Edge lettering on a coin is the letters, numbers and symbols inscribed along its edge. It has both decorative and functional purposes.
Coins may feature dates, mint marks, or denominations, enhancing their complexity while preventing counterfeiting.
Historical practices led to adding inscriptions to coin edges. This development aimed to combat coin clipping, where pieces of precious metal were shaved off coins, diminishing their value.
Visibility of any tampering became crucial and the lettering would confirm the coin’s authenticity.
One of the earliest examples of edge lettering is the 1662 King Charles II crown coin from Great Britain. This coin had Latin inscriptions like “DECVS ET TVTAMEN,” meaning “an ornament and a safeguard.”
What is a Reeded Edge on a Coin?
A reeded coin edge is a series of small, evenly spaced vertical grooves around a coin’s circumference. This design serves multiple purposes, primarily focusing on authenticity and security.
Reeded coin edges discourage counterfeiting and prevent practices like clipping, where metal is shaved off for illicit use. Reeding helps identify genuine coins and ensures their weight remains consistent.
Modern coinage, such as the Canadian Maple Leaf gold coin, prominently features reeded edges. In the U.S. collectors often refer to these coins as ridged or grooved.
Which US Coin has a Smooth Edge and no Inscription of Its Value?
Lincoln Cent (1¢) and the Jefferson Nickel (5¢) are coins without any reeding or edge lettering. Lack of edge reeding and lettering creates a simple visual profile for these coins.
Older US coins (like silver dimes and quarters) minted before 1965 featured reeded edges but didn’t include value inscriptions. Modern dimes (10¢) and quarters (25¢) incorporate reeding for security, and this is a key differentiator between new dimes and old dimes and new quarters and old quarters.
Most collectors appreciate smooth-edged coins as these stand out in their collections due to their simplicity.
However, smooth-edged coins are easily faked because reeded edges aren’t there to provide protection.
How Many Edges Does one Coin Have? What’s a Coin Edge Called?
A coin has one continuous edge around its entire circumference.
This edge serves as the boundary between the obverse (front) and reverse (back) of the coin. Coin edge is often called “third side” of the coin, offering crucial information about its manufacturing and authenticity.
Do Gold IRA Coins Have Radically Different Edges than Normal Coins?
No, gold IRA coins don’t have radically different edges than normal coins.
Various coin edge types exist and are primarily determined by the coin’s design and purpose. Whether the coin is gold IRA approved or not is inconsequential.
Gold IRA coins, like other bullion coins, typically have a reeded edge to prevent clipping and counterfeiting.
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What is Coin Edge- a Quick and Easy Guide! Conclusion
A coin edge is the outer border or perimeter that encircles the coin’s circumference. Coin’s edge is crucial because of it’s design, security, and authenticity. Different coins have varied edges, each with distinct characteristics.
Some of the more popular coin edge types are reeded, smooth (plain), knurled, lettered and decorated.
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References:
- Coin edge- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coin_edge
- Coin edges- https://en.numista.com/catalogue/edges.php
- Why Do Coins Have Ridges or Reeded Edges?- https://www.pimbex.com/article/why-do-coins-have-ridges-or-reeded-edges/
- Austro-Hungarian krone- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Austro-Hungarian_krone
- 1662 Crown Charles II Coin UK Silver (MO3683-)- https://www.ebay.com/itm/315729140247
- Reeding- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reeding
Nikola Roza
Nikola Roza is a blogger behind Nikola Roza- SEO for the Poor and Determined. He writes for bloggers who don't have huge marketing budget but still want to succeed. Nikola is passionate about precious metals IRAs and how to invest in gold and silver for a safer financial future. Learn about Nikola here.
