Definition

• Seignorage.  A profit from the manufacture of coins; the difference between the face value and the total cost of production including the cost of bullion or material and the cost of striking. When all coins were no longer struck in precious metals – gold and silver – and became clad tokens, the amount of seignorage increased dramatically. Historically when orders for coins were given to private minters, the cost for striking the coins was called brassage, as one shilling for every 12 struck.

  excerpted with permission from

  An Encyclopedia of Coin and Medal Technology

  For Artists, Makers, Collectors and Curators

  COMPILED AND WRITTEN BY D. WAYNE JOHNSON

  Roger W. Burdette, Editor

Relationships