up vote 7 down vote favorite
1
share [g+] share [fb]

Lately I've started wondering about the ¤ character which is shift+4 on my Norwegian keyboard (it's also present on several others, including the U.S. International keyboard layout). I've never seen a use for it, yet for some reason someone decided it was important enough to have it put in such a central place on the keyboard. What is this character called, and what purpose does it have?

link|improve this question
feedback

1 Answer

up vote 9 down vote accepted

This is the currency sign

A currency sign is a graphic symbol used as a shorthand for a currency's name.

Also from Currency (typography):

The currency sign (¤) is a character used to denote a currency, when the symbol for a particular currency is unavailable.

The symbol is available on some keyboard layouts, for example French, Danish, Norwegian, Swedish and Finnish keyboards, because it is used in business applications.

link|improve this answer
2  
The Norweigan currency is a kr for krone though. Is this a fraction of the krone? This question got my interest. – Joe Taylor Feb 3 '11 at 11:58
5  
@JoeTaylor: I think it's a symbol for a "generic" currency. A currency that has no symbol. But you're right, might be that the fractions of the Kronen are using that symbol though... – sinni800 Feb 3 '11 at 12:01
2  
It's definitely not used for Norwegian currency, neither Krone nor Øre (which is 1/100 krone). – codebolt Feb 3 '11 at 14:27
2  
Another way to think of it is a placeholder for a currency symbol. The equivalent of <insert currency symbol here>. – JYelton Feb 3 '11 at 16:37
feedback

Your Answer

 
or
required, but never shown
discard

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.