Here's a numismatic related trivia question.

Russ

Probably be easy for you guys, but it's something I just learned.

What's a Shinplaster? And, in what context is the term most commonly used?



Russ, NCNE

Pushkin

Hi Russ,

A shinplaster is paper money that is almost, or entirely worthless. (Like my hi-tech stock portfolio)

The main definition is a poultice or plaster used to relieve the pain and infection from sore shins.

Russ

I've been reading a book I just got in about Hard Times tokens. Cool stuff!

Russ, NCNE

kranky

I knew that one (shinplasters referring to worthless currency, WRT the Revolutionary War era), but it wasn't too long ago when I learned that Canadian fractional currency from the 1870s(?) also was called shinplasters.

Pushkin

Does that mean you're preparing for where the economy is really heading - including learning all of the appropriate terminology?

Russ

Pushkin,

It's not "heading". It's already there. The ivory tower ensconced "experts" are just refusing to admit it.

Russ, NCNE

Pushkin

Sadly, I have to agree completely with you.

Gemini

Me coin dictionary says...A popular name originally applied to the depreciated Continental Currency after the War of the revolution.

It was revived about 1837 to designate the small notes for the fractional part of a dollar issued by private bankers durng the financial stress of that period.

Finally, the same name was given to the Fractional Currency which appeared in 1862 when Specie payments were suspendwd.

clevegreg

I thought it had something to do with my College Football days

Greg