EH.Net Abstracts in Economic History

                ABSTRACTS IN ECONOMIC HISTORY
                     (c) 2003 EH.Net
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Name:  Nick Szabo
Email:  szabo at best.com
Institution:

Co-author:  none

Title:  The Origins of Money

Internet Address of abstracted work:  http://szabo.best.vwh.net/shell.html

By mail:

Language:  English

Abstract:
The precursors of money, along with language, enabled early modern 
humans to solve problems of cooperation that other animals cannot -- 
including problems of reciprocal altruism, kin altruism, and the 
mitigation of aggression. These precursors shared with non-fiat 
currencies specific characteristics which are described, and 
distinguish a "monetary" function from decorative or other symbolic
functions.

Bibliography:  Szabo, Nick.  "The Origins of Money."  Working Paper, 2003.

Subject:  H
Geographical Area:  0
Country/Region:  general
Time Period:  1

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