Numismatics

In numismatics

Numismatics

Numismatics is the study or collection of currency, including coins, tokens, paper money, and related objects. While numismatists are often characterized as students or collectors of coins, the discipline also includes the broader study of money and other payment media used to resolve debts and the...

, reeded edges are often referred to as "ridged" or "grooved". Some coins, such as United States quarters

Quarter (United States coin)

A quarter dollar, commonly shortened to quarter, is a coin worth ¼ of a United States dollar, or 25 cents. The quarter has been produced since 1796. The choice of 25¢ as a denomination, as opposed to 20¢ which is more common in other parts of the world, originated with the practice of dividing...

 and dimes

Dime (United States coin)

The dime is a coin 10 cents, one tenth of a United States dollar, labeled formally as "one dime". The denomination was first authorized by the Coinage Act of 1792. The dime is the smallest in diameter and is the thinnest of all U.S...

, have reeded edges. One reason for having reeded edges was to prevent counterfeiting. Another benefit of certain coins having reeded edges is that it helps enable different coin denominations to be easily identified and distinguished from each other by sense of touch alone.

Historically, reeding was used to prevent damage to coins. Currency coins were minted from precious metals like gold and silver. Hence it was common for people to shave some of the metal from the coins. Since shaving went unnoticed unless the coin was closely inspected and compared to an undamaged coin, such practices often went unchecked. Reeding prevented shaving of the edges as a smooth edge on such a coin would be a clear indicator of tampering.

Furniture

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, and is the opposite of fluting

Fluting (architecture)

Fluting in architecture refers to the shallow grooves running vertically along a surface.It typically refers to the grooves running on a column shaft or a pilaster, but need not necessarily be restricted to those two applications...

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Architecture

In architecture, reeding is a form of molding

Molding (decorative)

Molding or moulding is a strip of material with various profiles used to cover transitions between surfaces or for decoration. It is traditionally made from solid milled wood or plaster but may be made from plastic or reformed wood...

 usually found on columns, and is sometimes considered to be synonymous with gadrooning

Gadrooning

Gadrooning is any decorative motif consisting of convex curves in a series. In furniture and other interior accessories, the term is applied to, among other things an ornamental carved band of tapered, curving and alternating concave and convex sections, usually diverging obliquely either side of a...

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