Coin edge

Coin edges are the parts of a coin's surface between the faces; they may be plain (smooth) or patterned, or a combination of both. They can also include lettering.

Coin edge inscription 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 rings, which pattern the edge at the time when the coin is being milled.

Inscriptions

Dieu★ protège★la★France★★★ "God protect France" on the edge of 1873 five-franc coins

Examples of edge inscriptions or edge lettering include e pluribus unum on the edge of U.S. Presidential dollar coins, various national €2 edge inscriptions, and various phrases on the UK one pound coin, most commonly decus et tutamen. Inscriptions are more common on thicker, higher-value, or non-circulating coins.

Coin edge patterns

Examples of patterns used on coin edges include:

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See also

• Pearl circle on coins