seigniorage

noun

sei·​gnior·​age ˈsān-yə-rij How to pronounce seigniorage (audio)
variants or seignorage
: a government revenue from the manufacture of coins calculated as the difference between the face value and the metal value of the coins

Examples of seigniorage in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The reality is that seigniorage was lost long ago as a result of spontaneous dollarization. Emilio Ocampo, National Review, 18 Oct. 2023 The Fed would essentially turn over to Treasury an amount of money that represents the present value of future seigniorage. Norbert Michel, Forbes, 26 Jan. 2023 Loyalty points are exposed to the modern form of seigniorage, as well as regular inflation. Jon Sindreu, WSJ, 26 Mar. 2021 Indeed, there is likely a Laffer curve for seigniorage. WSJ, 14 Jan. 2020 This right to earn seigniorage, as it is called, is worth a lot, even if their money-printing is constrained by the need to keep inflation in check. The Economist, 29 Aug. 2019 All interest is diverted to the companies backing Libra’s governing body, while holders of Libra itself earn nothing—giving the founders profits akin to the seigniorage made by central banks. James MacKintosh, WSJ, 23 June 2019 Shares, which fluctuate in value, entitle the owner to a share of the system's future seigniorage profits. Timothy B. Lee, Ars Technica, 25 Apr. 2018 Another benefit, supporters say, is that the SNB would earn more seigniorage fees. Brian Blackstone, WSJ, 3 May 2018

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'seigniorage.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English seigneurage, from Anglo-French seignurage right of the lord (especially to coin money), from seignur

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of seigniorage was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near seigniorage

Cite this Entry

“Seigniorage.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/seigniorage. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

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