Hyperinflation and Currency

Hyperinflation and Currency is closely associated with each other in the sense that when Hyperinflation occurs, there is an unrestricted rise in the inflation rate. This escalation in the rate of inflation is simultaneously related with a fall in the value of money. When Hyperinflation affects the value of currency, it indicates the presence of an intrinsic relationship between Hyperinflation and Currency.

Hyperinflation and money: How one affects the other?

Mentioned below, are the changes which are observed on money, when Hyperinflation exerts its influence on it:

With the advent of Hyperinflation in the economy of a country, the value of gold turns out to be an accumulated one, which cannot be destroyed completely. As a result, gold coins are collected, just to avoid inflationary effects. In fact at the time of Hyperinflation, there is an escalation in the price of gold, which is more or less equivalent to the devaluation rate of paper currencies. Under this circumstance, the countries affected by Hyperinflation have currencies of the highest denominations, printed by the central banks. In fact, the rise in the denominations of paper notes indicates that notes of small denominations have very little value. This is precisely why this period saw the production of some outstanding amounts of paper notes.

Hyperinflation and Currency Substitution: How are they related?

In case of Hyperinflation, the concepts of Currency Substitution (CS) and financial adjustment are associated with the escalation in the equilibrium inflation rate. This situation arises from a system where financial supports from the government level facilitate printing of currencies as a part of the real resources. It is here that currency substitution decreases the base of inflation tax. In fact, currency substitution is considered to be a phenomenon of significance in nations experiencing Hyperinflation, causing difficulties for the prediction of currency demand and preparation of monetary policies.

As a matter of fact, currency substitution is an important phase, as far as demand for money is concerned. In case of domestic Hyperinflations, it becomes costly to retain local currencies. This is because the components of money pay a fixed and nominal interest rate of zero, hence unable to compensate and counterbalance the negative return brought in by inflation.