Why do nickels not have ridges?

Throughout history, coin ridges have served as a security measure against counterfeiting and tampering. These raised edges on coins were initially introduced to prevent people from shaving off small amounts of precious metals. Ridges made it evident if someone had tampered with the coin's edges, ensuring the full value remained intact. This practice was particularly prevalent when coins were made of valuable materials like gold or silver.

However, when it comes to nickels, the rationale for omitting these ridges is tied to the coin's composition. Unlike earlier coins made from precious metals, nickels are primarily composed of a non-precious metal alloy—specifically, a combination of nickel and copper. The absence of ridges on nickels is a reflection of the materials used in their production.

Nickel, being a more durable and less valuable metal, was less prone to being shaved or tampered with for its intrinsic value. Consequently, the need for ridges to safeguard against such practices became less crucial in the case of nickels. Given that the composition of nickels didn't hold the same intrinsic value as gold or silver coins, the addition of ridges was deemed unnecessary from a security standpoint.

Moreover, the cost of producing coins with ridges versus smooth-edged coins might have been a contributing factor. Manufacturing coins with ridges could potentially entail higher production expenses. Since the primary purpose of these ridges didn't apply to nickel coins due to their composition, it could have been a cost-saving measure to produce them without these security features.

In conclusion, the absence of ridges on nickels is a reflection of their composition and the reduced necessity for such security features due to the nature of the materials used. Unlike coins made from precious metals, nickels' composition and inherent value made them less susceptible to the historical practices of shaving or tampering, thereby rendering the inclusion of ridges unnecessary for their security.