Milled edge of a 1951 Hong Kong 50¢ coin

Reeding is a technique wherein a number of narrow ridges called "reeds" are carved or milled into a surface.[1][2]

Numismatics

Milled edge of a German 2 euro coin, embossed with Germany's unofficial national motto "Einigkeit und Recht und Freiheit"

In numismatics, reeded edges are often referred to as "ridged" or "grooved" (American usage), or "milled" (British usage).[3] Some coins, such as United States quarters and dimes, 1 euro, Australian 5, 10, 20 cents, 1 and 2 dollars, as well many other current coins, have reeded edges.

One reason for having reeded edges was to prevent counterfeiting.[4][5] Some gold and silver coins were reeded to discourage clipping, i.e. scraping off the precious metals from the edge of the coin, to maintain its stated value in precious metal.[4] This practice was made more difficult through the implementation of reeding by Isaac Newton in 1698,[6] during his time as warden of the Royal Mint.

Another benefit of certain coins having reeded edges is that it helps the visually impaired identify different coin denominations by sense of touch alone.

This dual purpose of reeding is sometimes made explicit on the milled edges of coins themselves. For example, many issuances of the British pound coin have historically had their edges inscribed with the Latin phrase 'decus et tutamen', an adaption from Vergilius' Aeneid meaning 'an ornament and a safeguard'.

Furniture

A cabinet with reeded doors

In furniture, reeding is sometimes used around bedposts, and the legs of tables and chairs. Its use in this fashion was inspired by Greek and Roman architectural styles,[7] and is the opposite of fluting.

Architecture

In architecture, reeding is a form of molding usually found on columns, and is sometimes considered to be synonymous with gadrooning.[8]

See also

References

  1. ↑ The Free Dictionary: "Reeding"
  2. ↑ Dictionary.com: "Reeding"
  3. ↑ Concise Oxford Dictionary (2006): mill, produce regular ribbed markings on the edge of (a coin)
  4. 1 2 Headley, Susan (March 3, 2017). "Reeded Edge Defined – What is a Reeded Edge?". The Spruce. Retrieved July 23, 2017.
  5. ↑ Why do some coins have ridges around the edges?
  6. ↑ "How Isaac Newton helped shape our coins". September 29, 2015. Retrieved November 8, 2022.
  7. ↑ "reeded leg"
  8. ↑ Encyclopædia Britannica: "Fluting and Reeding"
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