How Many Grooves Does a Dime Have?

By GovMint :

A United States dime features precisely 118 ridges along its edge. These ridges, or grooves, are not merely decorative but serve a functional purpose rooted in the coin's history. Initially, when coins were made of precious metals like silver and gold, ridges were added to prevent dishonest individuals from shaving off small amounts of metal without affecting the coin's face value. 

Though modern dimes no longer contain silver, the tradition of adding these ridges has persisted, serving as a tactile feature that aids in identifying coins and as a security measure to deter counterfeiting. The precise number of ridges on a dime, 118, is a specific characteristic that distinguishes it from other coins, such as quarters, which have 119 ridges.

Sources Used:

https://www.interestingfacts.com/fact/6386d2b1bd1439000808d979

Concept of the Month: Fun Facts About Coins - Young Americans Center (yacenter.org)