Puzzling Coin Ridges

Coin ridges are a very minute detail that can be easily overlooked. Unlike nickels and pennies, both dimes and quarters have rough, serrated edges, and if you find it hard to believe, you may look into the coins right away.

This detail comes from a time when coins would get stamped in different weights that show each of their value. The government back in the day wanted to prevent people from shaving the edges of the coins and, after that melting them to make new coins, so they carved rims onto the coins using precious metals. It’s proof we can’t really outsmart the authorities.