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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?

styrofoam fly
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Rune Aamodt
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3 Answers3

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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.

Johnny
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    The Norweigan currency is a kr for krone though. Is this a fraction of the krone? This question got my interest. – Joe Taylor Feb 03 '11 at 11:58
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    @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 03 '11 at 12:01
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    It's definitely not used for Norwegian currency, neither Krone nor Øre (which is 1/100 krone). – Rune Aamodt Feb 03 '11 at 14:27
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    Another way to think of it is a placeholder for a currency symbol. The equivalent of ``. – JYelton Feb 03 '11 at 16:37
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Pillow character in the Travel Industry designates a Guarantee Sell vendor. Allowing visual confirmation of booking a transaction with a vendor that guarantees reservation.

Richard
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This is called a "pillow" and is used, at least, in some Global Distribution Systems for the Travel Industry.

Source: I work in the Travel Industry.

Gol D. Roger
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    It's generally called a "[Currency Sign](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Currency_sign_%28typography%29)" in my experience. What is it used for in the travel industry? – Leathe Nov 03 '15 at 13:31