A Monetary System is defined as a set of policies, frameworks, and institutions by which the government creates money in an economy. Such institutions include the mint, the central bank, treasury, and other financial institutions. There are three common types of monetary systems – commodity money, commodity-based money, and fiat money.
Currently, fiat money is the most common type of monetary system in the world. For example, the US Dollar is fiat money.
The Three Types of Monetary Systems
1. Commodity Money
This is made up of precious metals or other commodities that have intrinsic value. In order words, the monetary system uses the commodity physically in terms of currency. This form of money retains its value even if it’s melted down. For example, gold and silver coins have been commonly used throughout history as a form of money.
2. Commodity-based Money
This draws its value from a commodity but doesn’t involve handling the commodity regularly. The notes don’t have tangible value but can be exchanged for the commodity it is backed by. For example, the US Dollar used to draw its value on gold. This was known as the Gold Standard.
3. Fiat Money
In this monetary system the currency, which by government decree is legal tender, i.e., that the government guarantees the value of the currency.
Today, most monetary systems are fiat money because people use notes or bank balances to make purchases. Fiat money is made up of paper currency or a base metal coin. However, today, most of fiat money is in the form of bank balances and records of credit or debit card purchases.
Uses of Money
1. Medium
Money is used as a means of payment or a medium of exchange and therefore eliminates the coincidence of needs problem that is created by a barter system. The coincidence of needs requires that two parties want what the other person is willing to trade, and thus makes it difficult to trade.
2. Measurement
It is also a standard unit of measurement that can be used to price things and to compare value. For example, a book costs $150, a meal costs $5, and a long-distance call costs $0.10/min. To compare their value, we can say one book = 30 meals = 1500 minutes on a long-distance call.
3. Value
Money can be used to store value, and thus it becomes an asset itself. However, money may not be a good store of value since it loses value over time due to inflation.
Thank you so much for the information and explanation of monetary systems, it really helps me now cause I have a exam tomorrow. Stay safe and God Bless!
The world has had several currency systems in the past 200 years. What are they and why do you think they evolved?