Currency
the current money or circulating medium of a country, whether in coin or in paper. The metallic currency comprises the gold, silver, nickel, and copper coin in circulation in any country; but for these three latter aids to circulation the metallic currency would fall far short of the necessities of the country. In the United States, England, and France bronze coin is used instead of copper. Nickel minor coins, 25 per cent. nickel and 75 per cent. copper, are used in Belgium, Switzerland, Germany, and the United States. Coins of platinum have been used in Russia. Paper currency comprises treasury notes, banknotes, bills of exchange, or checks, which circulate as substitutes or representatives of coin.