This is the current revision of Specie as edited by JacobB(talk | contribs) at 21:18, December 14, 2009. This URL is a permanent link to this version of this page.
These coins were considered more valuable than paper money because of the inherent value of the gold and silver themselves. The coins would have a stated (nominal) value but their actual market value would be different due to fluctuations in supply and demand.