subsidiary coin

American  

noun

1. a coin, especially one made of silver, having a value less than that of the monetary unit.

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subsidiary coin British  

noun

1. a coin of denomination smaller than that of the standard monetary unit

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Etymology

Origin of subsidiary coin

An Americanism dating back to 1885–90

Example Sentences

They were, in fact, a subsidiary coin made on government account, and, from their convenience and necessity, were maintained in circulation.

From Recollections of Forty Years in the House, Senate and Cabinet An Autobiography. by Sherman, John

Money, as the term has been used in this book, has been taken to mean gold coin, subsidiary coin, government paper, and for the United States, bank-notes.

From The Value of Money by Anderson, Benjamin M.

It may increase the amount of subsidiary coin very largely, and it may add to the sum of paper money, provided that that paper money is always redeemable in gold.

From Reminiscences of Sixty Years in Public Affairs, Vol. 2 by Boutwell, George S.

But silver was not in common use except as a subsidiary coin.

From The United States Since the Civil War by Lingley, Charles Ramsdell

I would also recommend the repeal of the third section of the joint resolution "for the issue of silver coin," approved July 22, 1876, limiting the subsidiary coin and fractional currency to $50,000,000.

From A Compilation of the Messages and Papers of the Presidents Volume 7, part 1: Ulysses S. Grant by Richardson, James D. (James Daniel)