subsidiary coin

noun

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

subsidiary coin

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of subsidiary coin¹

An Americanism dating back to 1885–90

Example Sentences

China is coining another third; and all other nations are using the remaining one-third for subsidiary coin.

From Project Gutenberg