fractional currency
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: 1. Paper money of small denomination: Fractional currency refers to paper money (banknotes or bills) issued by a government or central bank that has a face value less than the standard, basic unit of that country's currency. It is typically used for small, everyday transactions.
Usage
Fractional currency is a specific term used in economics, finance, and historical contexts. It describes the physical paper notes, not coins, that represent values like 3 cents, 10 cents, or 25 cents, when the basic unit is the dollar. Its primary function is to facilitate commerce by providing a convenient medium for small-value exchanges.
Examples
- Historical Context:
- General Description:
- Economic Function:
Advanced Usage
- "Postage Currency" or "Postage Stamp Currency": A specific type of U.S. fractional currency issued between 1862 and 1876, so named because the designs resembled postage stamps. It was a direct precursor to the more general fractional currency notes.
- The first issue of U.S. fractional currency is often called postage currency by collectors.
Variants and Related Words
- Fractional Note (n): A synonym for a single piece of fractional currency.
- He found an old 25-cent fractional note in his grandfather's album.
- Shinplaster (n, historical/informal): A derogatory slang term, primarily used in the U.S. and Canada, for low-value paper currency, including fractional currency. It implied the notes were nearly worthless.
- Specie (n): Money in the form of coins, especially gold or silver, often contrasted with paper money like fractional currency.
Synonyms
- Small-denomination notes
- Minor currency (in a paper context)
- Subunit paper money
Antonyms
- Specie (when referring to coinage)
- Bullion (precious metal in bulk form)
- Major currency / Unit currency (e.g., a one-dollar note or higher)
Noun
- paper currency in denominations less than the basic monetary unit