valutasymbol

A valutasymbol, or currency symbol, is a graphical character used to denote a monetary unit. It accompanies numeric amounts to indicate the currency in which the value is expressed and helps distinguish one currency from another. The symbol is different from the ISO 4217 currency code (such as USD or EUR) and from the currency’s full name.

Common examples include the dollar sign ($), euro sign (€), pound sign (£), yen sign (¥), and won sign (₩). Some currencies use letter combinations or digraphs, such as R$ for the Brazilian real or A$ for the Australian dollar. The same symbol may be used for multiple currencies in different regions, which can require context to avoid ambiguity. In many locales the symbol precedes the amount (for example, $50), while in others it follows the amount (for example, 50€). Typography and spacing conventions vary by locale and by accounting or printing standards.

Representation and encoding in digital text are handled through character encoding standards such as Unicode. Many currencies have dedicated single-character symbols, while others are represented by combinations of symbols or by currency codes alongside numerals. The euro, as a modern example, has a distinct symbol adopted in the 1990s and introduced with the euro in 1999–2002, reflecting a coordinated, cross-border monetary project.

Overall, valutasymbols serve as concise visual markers for money, balancing readability, regional practice, and typographic design in financial communication.