Understanding Money | Economics for GCSE/IGCSE - Year 11 PDF Download

The Meaning of Money

• Prior to the invention of money, individuals and firms had to either accept other goods or services as payment or be entirely self-sufficient by producing everything they needed.
• Often, due to a lack of self-sufficiency or a desire for a greater variety of goods and services, bartering became a common practice. However, bartering also presented its own set of challenges.
• As individuals and firms engage in trade to obtain goods or raw materials, they require a medium of exchange that is widely accepted and easy to use. 
• Modern currency serves this purpose, functioning as a medium of exchange, a unit of value, a store of value, and a method of deferred payment.

The Functions of Money

The Four Functions of Money

The Characteristics of Money

• Throughout history, various items such as gold, silver, shells, beer, and tobacco have served as forms of money.
• However, each of these items had limitations that made them less than ideal for exchange in certain situations.
• Good money possesses several essential characteristics, all of which are met by modern currency.

The six characteristics of good money

•  Divisibility:  Currency must be easily divisible to facilitate transactions of various sizes. For example, being able to exchange a €50 note for €10 notes or €1 coins.
•  Acceptability:  Society must widely recognize and accept the currency as a legitimate means of payment for goods and services.
•  Durability:  Money should be built to last, resistant to damage, and able to withstand the test of time.
•  Scarcity:  The currency's supply should be controlled to maintain its value in the market. An oversupply would decrease its worth.
•  Uniformity:  All denominations of the currency must be identical to maintain consistency and trust in its value. For instance, every $50 note should be exactly the same.
•  Portability:  Good money is convenient to carry and conceal, ensuring ease of use in daily transactions.