“Coin money” can refer to two distinct things:
- Physical coins used as currency: This refers to the metal disks issued by governments as a medium of exchange. These coins typically have a face value and are used in everyday transactions alongside banknotes.
- An idiom meaning to earn money quickly: In American English, “coin money” is an informal phrase used to describe making a lot of money rapidly or easily.
- Issued by governments: Coins are typically minted and authorized by a government authority.
- Physical form: They are small, usually round, and made of metal (though some historical and unusual examples might differ).
- Standardized weight and design: Coins are produced to specific standards to facilitate trade and ensure their value.
- Medium of exchange: Their primary purpose is to be used for buying and selling goods and services.
- “Those who own stock in that restaurant chain are coining money.”
- “With a monopoly on the market he could coin money.”
In essence, when someone talks about “coin money,” they could be referring to the actual physical coins used in an economy, or to the act of generating wealth quickly.
What does the term coin money mean?
Good point! Also, mint money. Make a great deal of money easily or very quickly. For example, With a monopoly on the market he could coin money, or These highly motivated realtors just about enable the agency to mint money. This hyperbolic expression dates from the mid-1800s.
What does a coin mean in money?
: a usually flat piece of metal issued by governmental authority as money. b. : metal money.
What are money coins called?
Good point! Americans usually refer to their coins by names rather than by values. A one-cent coin is called a penny; it is a copper-colored coin. A five-cent coin is called a nickel, a ten-cent coin is a dime, and a 25-cent coin is a quarter. Nickels, dimes, and quarters are silver colored.