The differing sizes of the dime and the penny, regardless of the dime possessing a better face worth, is a consequence of historic choices relating to coinage requirements and the intrinsic worth of the metals used. A smaller dimension for the upper denomination was applied to differentiate it from lower-value cash, notably in an period when the metallic content material of cash held vital worth.
This design selection has a number of sensible advantages. It permits for simpler identification by contact, which is especially useful for people with visible impairments. Traditionally, the differentiation additionally served to mitigate the temptation to shave off treasured metallic from the perimeters of cash, a apply geared toward accumulating small quantities of gold or silver. The distinct dimension of the dime, due to this fact, facilitated its acceptance and environment friendly use in commerce.