5 daler silvermynt, Avesta, Karl XI, 1674

Is money a commodity?

Plate money began to be produced in Sweden in the 17th century. They were large and square so they could be stacked and transported. When copper was expensive, the actual metal in the coin could be worth more than what was written on it. The coin was then sold as a commodity instead of being used for payment.

These copper plates have been found all over the world: from France to India and South Africa. They were not even used as coins in other countries.

Image rights: Jens Mohr, Ekonomiska museet - Kungliga myntkabinettet/SHM (CC BY 4.0)

Object number: 122156_KMK