cash

The cash was a currency denomination used in China in imperial times. It was the chief denomination until the introduction of the yuan in the late 19th century. Etymology The English word "cash", meaning "tangible currency", is an older word from Portuguese caixa or Middle French caisse ("box", or "case"). The term was first used on coins issued in Kwangtung (Guangdong) Province in 1900. It did not appear on paper money until later. The plural forms "cash" and "cashes" were both used. The Chinese character wen has several other meanings in modern Chinese. History The wén was one of the chief units of currency in China and was used to denominate both coins and paper money. Other denominations were used, including various weights, based on the tael system, for sycee silver and gold ingots.