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bank note

economics
Also known as: soft money

Quick Summary

A banknote is a piece of printed paper that functions as money. It is essentially a promissory note issued by a bank, payable on demand and accepted as legal tender. Historically, the concept of paper money originated in China during the 9th century, evolving from merchant drafts into government-issued currency.1234

The development of banknotes allowed bankers to extend credit more easily, as widespread use of bank money meant that withdrawals were often offset by new deposits. Central banks today are typically the sole issuers of paper currency, which is a form of fiat money—meaning it is not backed by a physical commodity like gold or silver. This monopoly gives central banks significant influence over the money supply and economic stability.4567

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