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    Why do pennies and nickels have smooth edges and all other US coins have serrated edges?

    Question #58232. Asked by barker111. (Jul 09 05 6:03 AM)


    cbtemple

    		It is so that you can differentiate between them and dimes and quarters. Pennies and dimes are close in size, while nickels and quarters are similar in size. The serrated edges are to help you feel the difference while the change is still in your pocket or while in the dark.

    Jul 09 05, 12:13 PM
    lanfranco

    		According to some coinage history sites, serrated edges were apparently introduced in antiquity to demonstrate that the metal was pure and had not been plated over base metal. Other sites suggest that these edges prevented "shaving," which would have been another threat when real silver and gold were in use.

    http://www.answers.com/topic/fourr-e

    Jul 09 05, 3:01 PM

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