# spesmilo

> obsolete international currency

**Wikidata**: [Q1193446](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1193446)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spesmilo)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/spesmilo

## Summary
The spesmilo is an obsolete international currency created by René de Saussure in 1907. It was designed as a decimal-based system with subunits like the spesdeko (1/10 of a spesmilo) and spescento (1/100), but it never gained widespread adoption. The spesmilo is notable for its unique sign and inclusion in 21 language editions of Wikipedia, reflecting its historical curiosity in economic and linguistic contexts.

## Key Facts
- **Creator**: René de Saussure
- **Inception**: 1907
- **Subunits**: 1000 spesoj, 100 spesdekoj, 10 spescentoj
- **Currency Sign**: Spesmilo sign
- **Wikidata Description**: Obsolete international currency
- **Wikipedia Languages**: 21 language editions, including English, French, Spanish, and Esperanto
- **Freebase ID**: /m/08nftf (reference: Q15241312, publication date: 2013-10-28)
- **Wikimedia Commons Category**: Spesmilo
- **Instance Of**: Currency
- **Sitelink Count**: 21
- **Aliases**: 1000 spesoj, 100 spesdekoj, 10 spescentoj, Spesmilo

## FAQs
**What is the spesmilo, and why was it created?**  
The spesmilo was an experimental international currency introduced by René de Saussure in 1907. It aimed to provide a universal monetary system but ultimately failed to gain traction, becoming obsolete.

**How does the spesmilo relate to other currencies?**  
Unlike national currencies like the dollar or euro, the spesmilo was conceived as an international medium of exchange. Its decimal structure (e.g., 1 spesmilo = 1000 spesoj) distinguished it from traditional systems, though it never achieved practical use.

**What makes the spesmilo notable in linguistic or cultural contexts?**  
The spesmilo is featured in 21 Wikipedia language editions, highlighting its curiosity in economic history. Its inclusion in Esperanto Wikipedia (a language itself designed for international communication) underscores its symbolic role in early 20th-century utopian projects.

**Why did the spesmilo fail to gain adoption?**  
The spesmilo remained theoretical and was never officially adopted by any government or institution. Its obscurity reflects the challenges of implementing alternative currencies without institutional backing, a recurring theme in monetary history.

## Why It Matters
The spesmilo represents an early 20th-century effort to address global economic fragmentation through a universal currency. While it failed practically, it remains a fascinating case study in the history of money, linguistic innovation (given its Esperanto connections), and the enduring quest for international monetary solutions. Its inclusion in multiple Wikipedia editions and specialized databases like Freebase underscores its niche significance in economic and cultural studies.

## Notable For
- **Decimal Structure**: Unique subunit divisions (spesoj, spesdekoj, spescentoj) reflecting a systematic design.
- **Esperanto Connection**: Featured in Esperanto Wikipedia, linking it to other internationalist projects of the era.
- **Cultural Curiosity**: Documented in 21 languages despite its obsolescence, illustrating its role as a historical footnote.
- **Theoretical Innovation**: An early example of a designed international currency, predating modern concepts like the euro or cryptocurrencies.

## Body

### Creation and Design
The spesmilo was conceived by **René de Saussure** in **1907** as an international currency. Its decimal-based system included subunits such as the **spesdeko** (1/10 of a spesmilo) and **spescento** (1/100), with the **spesmilo sign** serving as its unique symbol. This structure highlighted a deliberate effort to create a rational, universal monetary framework.

### Historical Context and Legacy
Despite its innovative design, the spesmilo never transitioned from theory to practice. It lacked governmental or institutional adoption, relegating it to obscurity. However, its inclusion in **21 Wikipedia language editions** (e.g., English, French, Spanish, Esperanto) and databases like **Freebase** (/m/08nftf) ensures its presence in discussions of alternative currencies and economic experimentation.

### Linguistic and Cultural Significance
The spesmilo’s connection to **Esperanto**—a language designed for international communication—underscores its symbolic role in early 20th-century utopian projects. Its aliases in multiple languages (e.g., "1000 spesoj," "Spesmilo") and presence in linguistically diverse Wikipedia editions reflect its curiosity in both economic and cultural history.

### Documentation and Recognition
- **Wikimedia Commons Category**: Dedicated to the spesmilo, featuring related media.
- **Wikidata Properties**: Classified as an **instance of currency**, with references to its creator, inception date, and subunits.
- **Freebase Entry**: Provides a unique identifier (/m/08nftf) and publication date (2013-10-28), further embedding it in knowledge graphs.

### Comparative Analysis
Unlike successful international currencies such as the **euro**, the spesmilo lacked the institutional support necessary for adoption. Its theoretical nature contrasts with practical currencies, making it a subject of academic interest rather than economic impact. The spesmilo’s story parallels other failed monetary experiments, offering lessons in the prerequisites for currency viability.

## References

1. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013