Commodity Money

The term commodity money denotes currency which has material value in itself, in addition to its face value. Examples of commodity money include precious metals, salt, pepper corns, tea, cigarettes, alcohol and decorative rings.

In the past, commodity money was widely used to settle commercial transactions. Today, it plays a subordinate role, with fiat currencies having been established as the predominant form of currency. However, commodity money continues to play a role in regions where fiat currency is either unavailable or prohibited. The use of cigarettes as a currency in prisons is one example this.

More on this topic:
Fiat currency explained

Expert Benjamin Manz
Benjamin Manz is CEO of moneyland.ch and an independent expert on banking and finance.
Request now for free

Cheap bank accounts with card

Free bank account

Yuh

  • No account fees

  • Banking partner: Swissquote & Postfinance

  • CHF 20 trading credit with code «YUHMONEYLAND»

Learn more
Swiss digital bank

Alpian

  • Multi-currency account with Visa card (CHF, EUR, USD, GBP)

  • Favorable foreign exchange rates

  • CHF 100 welcome bonus

Benefit now
Online private account

UBS key4

  • 50 KeyClub points as a welcome gift

  • Online private account with debit card

Learn more
Swiss bank packages comparison

Find the best bank offer now

Compare now
Trading platforms

Brokers with low fees

Swiss Broker

Saxo Bank Switzerland

  • Licensed Swiss bank (FINMA)

  • No custody fees when securities lending is activated

  • Free expert research and trading signals

Request a personal contact
Swiss Broker

Cornèrtrader

  • Swiss online bank

  • No custody fees for stocks

  • Free market research and trading signals

Get a free quote now
Request now for free

Leading credit cards

Free credit card

Swisscard Cashback Cards Amex

  • No annual fees

  • Two cards Amex & Visa/Mastercard

  • With cash back

Learn more now
Free credit card

Migros Cumulus Visa

  • No annual fees

  • With Cumulus points

  • Without foreign currency fees

Learn more now

Information

About moneyland.ch

 

moneyland.ch is Switzerland’s independent online comparison service covering banking, insurance and telecom. More than 100 unbiased comparison tools and calculators are available on moneyland.ch, along with useful financial guides and timely news. The comprehensive comparison tools help you to find the right insurance policies, bank accounts, credit and prepaid cards, loans, mortgages, trading accounts and telecom products for your needs. The guarantee of independence applies.

Compare Trading Platforms

Company
Users
Banks & Telecom
Insurance & Pensions
SSL
Swiss Made Logo

moneyland.ch is Switzerland’s independent online comparison service covering banking, insurance and telecom. Contact us