Seigniorage
Seigniorage
Seigniorage is a fee paid to a monarch or other sovereign as a hereditary right or privilege. It is a tax paid typically in lieu of a feudal debt to a lord.
Etymology:
The word “seigniorage” derives from the Old French word “seignorie,” which means “Lord’s possession.”
History:
Seigniorage was a common practice in feudal Europe from the Middle Ages to the 17th century. It was a payment made to the king or other feudal lord in exchange for protection and the privilege of living in their domain.
Types of Seigniorage:
- Direct seigniorage: Payment directly to the monarch.
- Indirect seigniorage: Payment to a subordinate lord who owed allegiance to the monarch.
Examples:
- The Domesday Book in England lists seigniorage payments made to the king.
- In the Middle Ages, vassals in Feudal Japan paid seigniorage to the shogun.
- In the 16th century, the Spanish monarchy collected seigniorage from its colonies.
Modern Usage:
The term “seigniorage” is rarely used in modern times. However, the concept of privilege and taxation is still applicable in contemporary societies.
Additional Notes:
- Seigniorage is a specific type of tax, not a general term for all taxes.
- The amount of seigniorage paid varied depending on the location and status of the landowner.
- In some cases, seigniorage was paid in goods rather than money.