Neocoinage

Neocoinage is a term used in numismatics and monetary history to describe the introduction of a new coinage by a sovereign authority to replace an existing currency or to inaugurate a monetary reform. It encompasses the design, production, and distribution of new coins and is typically linked to periods of stabilization, modernization, or revaluation. It may involve changes in metal content, denominations, and inscriptions.

Common features include altered alloy compositions and weight standards, new denominations, and enhanced security features such as edge lettering, mint marks, and microtext. New coins may be issued alongside existing ones during a transition, and there is usually a defined period for exchanging old coins for the new.

Implementation generally requires legislative authorization, a centralized minting program, and public information campaigns. The transition may withdraw old coinage, establish exchange windows at banks or treasury offices, and coordinate with retailers and machines. Public confidence and practical accessibility are essential for a successful neocoinage.

In scholarship, neocoinage is often discussed as part of broader monetary reform or currency modernization rather than as a distinct category. Descriptions of historical episodes may use terms like coin reissue or decimalization, with neocoinage serving to emphasize a deliberate reset of coinage and dating.

Related topics include coinage, monetary reform, decimalization, and central banking.