Final answer:
Special-purpose money is currency used for specific transactions, contrasting with general-purpose money that is widely accepted for various goods and services. This exemplifies the arbitrary nature of money and can include traditional forms like cattle in some cultures or modern points systems in contemporary businesses.
Step-by-step explanation:
Special-purpose money refers to currency used to purchase a specific type of good or service, contrasted with general-purpose money which can be exchanged for various goods and services. This form of money functions in an economy by facilitating transactions for particular items, thereby illustrating the arbitrary nature of money's value. For instance, Indigenous societies have used cattle for bridewealth, while certain points systems in modern economies serve as special-purpose currency for loyal customers of businesses like grocery stores or airlines. Special-purpose money tends to be less available and harder to transport or precisely measure in comparison to general-purpose money.