NCERT · Class 10 · Social Science · Economics: Money and CreditWhat is meant by double coincidence of wants?

Double coincidence of wants refers to a situation where two persons mutually desire to buy and sell each other's commodities. In a barter economy, what a person desires to sell must be exactly what the other person wishes to buy. Without this exact matching condition, trade cannot take place. This specific requirement creates major hurdles in a non-monetary economy, making the introduction of money essential for modern economic development and smooth transactions.