it another value, but this varies over time. The value of the metal is subject to bilateral agreement, just as is the case with pure metals or commodities which had not been monetized by any government. As an example, gold and silver coins from other non-U.S. countries are specifically exempted in U.S. law from being legal tender for the payment of debts in the United States, so that a seller who refuses to accept them cannot be sued by the payer who offers them to settle a debt. However, nothing prevents such arrangements from being made if both parties agree on a value for the coins. See also Bullion coin Debasement Digital gold currency Hawala History of money Metallism Private currency Shell money References Citations Sources Further reading External links Commodity Money: Introduction, about commodity money in the early American colonies. Commodities, a summary. Linguistic and Commodity Exchanges Examines the structural differences between barter and monetary commodity exchanges and oral and written linguistic exchanges. Commodities Metallism Money Simple living