A monetary unit formerly used in some Balkan countries, typically subdividing larger currency units; a small coin of minimal value.
From Ottoman Turkish asper, from Italian aspro. The word traveled through Mediterranean trade routes and evolved differently across regions—related to modern Turkish aşper and historical Venetian currency systems.
The assi shows how currency names travel: Italian traders brought 'aspro' to Ottoman merchants, who adapted it to asper, which became various regional coins—language following the path of commerce.
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