All sectors of economy and nonresidents can hold as an asset, but
only monetary authorities or central banks are authorized to issue it. In many countries, only national currency is included in
monetary aggregates, as only the national currency can be used
directly for (local) transactions between residents. In some
countries, however, foreign currency circulates along with national
currency, and hence it is important in the view of monetary policy
to consider foreign currency in circulation.
Some countries issue gold and other precious metal-made coins,
which theoretically can be used as a means of payment. Normally,
such coins are held for numismatic value. If not in active
circulation, such coins should be classified as nonfinancial assets.