Cent (currency)
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In currency, the cent is a monetary unit that equals <math>1/100<math>th of the basic unit of value. It also refers to the coin which values one cent. Etymologically, it comes from the Latin word centum which means hundred. Mints all over the world usually create coins with values ranging from <math>1/100<math>th to <math>100/100<math>th of the monetary unit, while reserving bills for higher values. However, coins with a <math>200/100<math>th or <math>500/100<math>th value are not uncommon, especially in cases of commemorative coinage.
Cent amounts less than one whole basic unit between 0 and 99 cents are usually indicated by the the one or two numerals followed by a cent sign, a lower-case letter c which depending on usage may or may not be pierced top to bottom by a forward slash or one or two vertical lines: ¢ (e.g., 1c, 2c, 25¢, 75¢).
Different monetary unit subdivision systems exist, and are even modified. An example of a monetary unit system modification is the pound sterling on which a decimalisation was performed in 1971. Previously, it was subdivided into <math>1/20<math>ths (shillings - s) and <math>1/240<math>ths (old pence - d).
Examples of currencies around the world featuring cents are:
- Argentine peso - divided into 100 centavos
- Australian dollar - divided into 100 cents
- Brazilian real - divided into 100 centavos
- Chinese renminbi - divided into 10 jiao, which are also divided into 10 fen
- European euro - Although the coins feature the word cent, actual usage varies depending on language.
- Iranian rial - divided into 100 dinars, although no longer in use due to devaluation
- Malaysian ringgit - divided into 100 sen
- Mexican peso - divided into 100 centavos
- Russian ruble - divided into 100 kopeks
- South African rand
- United States dollar
Examples of currencies which do not feature cents
- Japanese yen - the yen in modern times doesn't feature any subdivision of the monetary unit
- Kuwaiti dinar - divided into 1000 fils
- Mauritanian Ouguiya - divided into 5 khoums
- Malagasy ariary - divided into 5 iraimbilanja
de:Cent (Währung) es:Centavo nl:Cent (munteenheden) pl:Cent
