noun / verb

coin

KOYN/kɔɪn/

A small metal piece used as money.

One coin is held edge-on beside several stamped metal discs.

Several small metal coins lie on a table, round stamped discs with simple geometric emblem relief, no letters or numbers; one held edge-on to show thinness.

Etymology

The “wedge” connection comes from the wedge-shaped die used to stamp metal. The name shifted from the stamping tool to the piece of metal impressed with official marks and used as money.

In context

Before The Bank5:24

If people accept the king's coin because it carries the king's mark, then the king can put slightly less gold in it than the coin is treated as being worth and keep the difference.

The First Coin: How a Tiny Stamp Changed the World

More examples

He keeps his spare coins in a jar.
This silver coin is worth more than its face value.
The mint coins money by stamping metal blanks.

Forms

coin · coins · coined · coining

coinage noun — Metal money produced by a mint.

Similar words

change: Usually means coins collectively, sometimes including small bills.
cash: Includes both metal coins and paper money used for payment.