If a nation agreed to trade with something other than money, like shells or certain stones, would that be legal tender?

Question

If a nation agreed to trade with something other than money, like shells or certain stones, would that be legal tender?

• Yes, if everyone was required to accept it.
• No, legal tender must be accepted in all nations.
• Yes, if business owners agreed.
• No, legal tender must be paper money.

Answer 1

No, legal tender typically refers to government-issued currency that must be accepted as a means of payment for goods and services within a country. Using shells or stones as a form of trade would not be considered legal tender in the traditional sense.