从货币职能看唐代“钱帛兼行”

唐代虽“钱帛兼行”,但钱、帛在执行货币职能时却有着不同的特点。在价值尺度方面,最终发挥价值尺度的是“钱”;在流通领域,表现为钱帛两级体制;在贮藏职能方面,承担贮藏职能的主要是钱,绢帛具有一定的调节功能;作为支付手段,绢帛主要作大数额的货币表示,铜钱则被挤到小额贸易领域;在国际贸易方面,承担世界货币职能的是钱,而且银的地位显著。绢帛在国际贸易中不再是货币,而是重要的商品。

Money and Silk in the Tang Dynasty in Terms of Currency Function

Both money and silk were widely used in the Tang Dynasty,but they were different in performing their currency functions.In terms of value measure,money played its full function;in terms of circulation,both were used;in terms of saving function,money dominated its function,with silk making some adjustments;in terms of payment,silk was used to pay for the large amounts,with copper coins occupying a minor part in the small payments;in terms of international trade,money came first,and silver was also prominent.Silk was a valuable goods instead of currency in the international trade.