Spanish dinero facts for kids

The dinero was a type of money used in the Christian kingdoms of Spain. This was a long time ago, starting in the 10th century!

The idea for the dinero came from the Arab Dinar, which was a coin used in Arab lands. Later, the dinero itself became a model for the Portuguese dinheiro, which was used in Portugal.

What Was the Dinero?

For a long time, the dinero was the main type of money in most of Spain. It was used to count how much things were worth.

How Money Changed in Spain

Over time, new types of money became more common in Spain. The maravedí took over from the dinero. After that, the real became the most important way to count money.

Dinero in Catalonia and the Balearic Islands

Even though the dinero was replaced in most of Spain, it was still used in some places. In Catalonia and the Balearic Islands, people kept using a system based on the dinero.

Here's how it worked there:

• Twelve dineros made one sou.
• Six sous made one peseta.

Modern Meaning of "Dinero"

Today, if you speak Spanish, the word "dinero" simply means "money". It doesn't refer to that old coin anymore!