Beading. Continuous row of tiny hemispheres, most used for border decoration in coin and medal design. It is classical in treatment and was popular in 18th and 19th century Europe. Most United States coins from 1828 to 1909, silver until 1916, had beaded borders, instigated by Chief Mint Engraver William Kneass. The beading was inside a lip or molded border. A 1793 half cent U.S. coin had a beaded border without any other border element at all. Beading is also called pearled, the French word is grenetis. On hand engraved objects beading can be created with a beading punch or by a milgrain tool or beading tool. See border.