Subsidiary coin meaning

A subsidiary coin is a lower-denomination coin used alongside a country's main currency.


Subsidiary coin definitions

Word backwards yraidisbus nioc
Part of speech The part of speech of "subsidiary coin" is a noun.
Syllabic division sub-si-di-ar-y coin
Plural The plural of the word "subsidiary coin" is "subsidiary coins."
Total letters 14
Vogais (4) u,i,a,o
Consonants (7) s,b,d,r,y,c,n

What is a Subsidiary Coin?

A subsidiary coin is a type of currency that is issued by the government and has a value that is lower than the main unit of currency. In most cases, subsidiary coins are used as a form of small change for everyday transactions. They are typically made from less valuable materials than the main unit of currency, such as copper or nickel. Subsidiary coins are often found in denominations such as cents or pence.

Function of Subsidiary Coins

Subsidiary coins play a vital role in facilitating transactions that involve amounts that are smaller than the main unit of currency. For example, if the main unit of currency is a dollar, subsidiary coins in denominations of 1 cent, 5 cents, 10 cents, and 25 cents help make change for purchases that do not amount to a full dollar. Without subsidiary coins, transactions involving small amounts would be more challenging to complete.

Legal Tender Status

Subsidiary coins are typically considered legal tender, which means that they must be accepted as a form of payment for goods and services. However, there are limits to the amount of subsidiary coins that can be used in a single transaction. For example, in the United States, the Coinage Act of 1965 states that businesses are not required to accept more than 25 cents in subsidiary coins for any single transaction.

Collection and Numismatics

Subsidiary coins are often collected and studied by numismatists, who are individuals with an interest in coins and currency. The design, rarity, and historical significance of subsidiary coins can make them valuable to collectors. Some subsidiary coins may even be worth more than their face value due to their collector's value. Numismatists often study subsidiary coins to learn more about the history and economic conditions of the time period in which they were issued.


Subsidiary coin Examples

  1. The vending machine only accepts subsidiary coins, not bills.
  2. Please ensure you have enough subsidiary coins for parking meters.
  3. The arcade machine only requires subsidiary coins to play the games.
  4. She paid for her coffee using a mixture of bills and subsidiary coins.
  5. The toll booth only accepts exact change in subsidiary coins.
  6. The charity donation box is filled with subsidiary coins from generous donors.
  7. He emptied his pockets, finding a handful of subsidiary coins at the bottom.
  8. The piggy bank was heavy with the weight of various subsidiary coins.
  9. The street performer's hat was overflowing with subsidiary coins from passersby.
  10. The bus fare can be paid in subsidiary coins or using a travel card.


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  • Updated 23/06/2024 - 23:04:39