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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.
[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.
The edge minting made possible with the new technology is not only difficult to forge; it also increases the circulation security of the coins, since coin clipping is very easily noticed. A pearl circle often adjoins the edge bar on the inside.
In accordance with Gresham's law, the clipped and forged coins drove good coins out of circulation, depreciating the currency. [ 1 ] Leonardo da Vinci 's notebooks showed there was a better way [ 2 ] and Donato Bramante , the architect who made the initial plans for St. Peter's Basilica , developed a screw press to make the lead bullae attached ...
The huge number of clipped coins in the Hoxne Hoard has made it possible for archaeologists to observe the process of coin-clipping in detail. The coins were evidently cut face-up to avoid damaging the portrait. The average level of clipping is roughly the same for coins dating from 350 onwards. [43]
By 1696 forged coins constituted approximately 10% of the nation's currency. [3] The currency also had a third problem: its value as silver bullion in Paris and Amsterdam was greater than the face value in London, and thus vast quantities of coins were melted and shipped abroad — an arbitrage market.
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A Castaing machine, on display at the American Numismatic Association museum.. The Castaing machine is a device used to add lettering and decoration to the edge of a coin. . Such lettering was necessitated by counterfeiting and edge clipping, which was a common problem resulting from the uneven and irregular hammered coi