coin terminology question

[Guest Legal translator]

Hello,

I am a professional translator working on translating a counterfeit law into English.

In the part referring to coins, and how you cannot melt them down, a previous translator has used the term "subsidiary coins". I am inclined to change this to "current coins" or just plain "coins", as I have a feeling "subsidiary coins" is an outdated term.

Can any experts here offer any insight into the difference between a subsidiary coin and a current coin?

Thanking you,

Gavin.

[Chris Perkins 228]

Gavin,

I've never heard the term subsidiary coins. Usually, your right, they are 'current' or perhaps even 'contemporary', like with the term 'contemporary forgeries'.

[Geoff T 3]

It might help if you posted the original term in the language you're translating from so that we can bring our corporate linguistic skills to bear on this on.

Geoff

[Sylvester 15]

Subsidery to me suggests they might mean the smaller denomination coins.

[mint_mark 9]

Subsidery to me suggests they might mean the smaller denomination coins.

That's what I think too... as in "minor". Either meaning smaller denominations or meaning non-precious metal as opposed to precious metal.