Historical Currency Terms

noun the invention or creation of a new word or phrase

• The historian studied the origins of ancient coinage in different civilizations.
• I found a cool coinage from the 1800s at the antique store.
• I'm broke, can you spare some coinage for lunch?
• His innovative coinage of new phrases caught the attention of many readers.

noun a very small amount of money

• In the 17th century, a farthing was a common unit of currency in England.
• I found a farthing in my old coin collection from when I was a kid.
• I wouldn't give you a farthing for that old junk car.
• His opinion on the matter isn't worth a farthing to me.

noun a Spanish-American half-real piece formerly in use in parts of the southern United States

adjective of little value or significance; petty or trifling

• The committee spent hours discussing picayune details of the budget proposal.
• Why are you getting so worked up over such a picayune issue?
• Stop being so picayune about it, it's not a big deal.
• Her picayune attitude towards life's challenges held her back from achieving her goals.

noun a former British coin and monetary unit equal to one twentieth of a pound or twelve pence

• The price of the item is one shilling.
• I only have a few shillings left in my wallet.
• I bet you five shillings that he won't show up on time.
• His opinion is not worth a shilling in this matter.