noun
round coin with a square hole
Historical coin design; often used when talking about old Japanese or Chinese coins.
この博物館には、昔の銭がたくさん展示されている。
This museum has many old coins with square holes on display.
noun
base-metal coin; non-precious coin
Refers to coins made of copper, iron, etc., as opposed to gold or silver.
昔は銭しか持っていない人が多かった。
In the past, many people only had base-metal coins.
noun
Colloquial term for money, often with a slightly rough or old-fashioned feel.
銭がなくて、今日は何も買えない。
I have no money, so I can't buy anything today.
Originally referred to a specific type of round coin with a square hole, later extended to mean coins in general and then money colloquially.