Funny Money, Coupons, Scrip, Chips and Other Quasi-Official Media of Exchange

Abstract

Media of exchange exist in many forms throughout the world. While money is official, many other forms serve as quasi-official means of exchanging value. These serve various purposes money does not, such as convenience, security, promotion and social control. The article examines and interprets the visual design and meaning of this unusual — and valuable — class of "funny money."