Encyclopedia of Early Modern History Online

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Money economy
(6,076 words)

1. Definition and reference frame

A money economy is an economic system (Economy, political) that, in contrast to natural economies and bartering, operates with money as a general medium of exchange. Here money fulfills three economic functions (see Money, theory of). First, it serves as a universal medium of exchange, making it possible to conclude transactions involving…

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North, Michael, “Money economy”, in: Encyclopedia of Early Modern History Online, Editors of the English edition: Graeme Dunphy, Andrew Gow. Original German Edition: Enzyklopädie der Neuzeit. Im Auftrag des Kulturwissenschaftlichen Instituts (Essen) und in Verbindung mit den Fachherausgebern herausgegeben von Friedrich Jaeger. Copyright © J.B. Metzlersche Verlagsbuchhandlung und Carl Ernst Poeschel Verlag GmbH 2005–2012. Consulted online on 10 June 2023 <http://dx.doi.org/10.1163/2352-0272_emho_COM_019768>
First published online: 2015
First print edition: 20200128



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