What is the '¤' character?

Question

Lately I've started wondering about the ¤ character which is shift+4 on my Norwegian keyboard (it's also present on several others, including the U.S. International keyboard layout). I've never seen a use for it, yet for some reason someone decided it was important enough to have it put in such a central place on the keyboard. What is this character called, and what purpose does it have?

Answer 1

This is the currency sign

A currency sign is a graphic symbol used as a shorthand for a currency's name.

Also from Currency (typography):

The currency sign (¤) is a character used to denote a currency, when the symbol for a particular currency is unavailable.

The symbol is available on some keyboard layouts, for example French, Danish, Norwegian, Swedish and Finnish keyboards, because it is used in business applications.

Answer 2

Pillow character in the Travel Industry designates a Guarantee Sell vendor. Allowing visual confirmation of booking a transaction with a vendor that guarantees reservation.

Answer 3

This is called a "pillow" and is used, at least, in some Global Distribution Systems for the Travel Industry.

Source: I work in the Travel Industry.