token money

• Terme historique désignant des pièces ou une monnaie dont la valeur nominale dépasse la valeur intrinsèque du matériau dont elles sont faites, souvent émises par des particuliers ou comme substitut à la monnaie officielle. Dans l'usage moderne, peut aussi désigner des jetons numériques utilisés dans des systèmes en ligne ou des réseaux de blockchain.

A historical term referring to coins or currency that have a face value higher than the intrinsic value of the material they are made from, often issued by private entities or as a substitute for official currency. In modern usage, it can also refer to digital tokens used in online systems or blockchain networks.

1. Currency with limited intrinsic valueC1formal

   Money whose face value exceeds its intrinsic value as a commodity, typically used for small transactions or as a substitute for standard currency.

   monnaie token

   • Token money, like coins made from base metals, is widely used in vending machines.
   • The government issued token money for use in public transport systems.
   • Historically, token money was often used in times of coin shortage.

2. Symbolic paymentB2formal

   A small amount of money paid as a symbolic gesture rather than as full compensation.

   paiement symbolique

   • The landlord accepted a token money payment as a deposit for the apartment.
   • They offered token money to secure the reservation.
   • The charity asked for token money donations from participants.