Charles Brown asked: > is one of the forms of appearance of value, one form of > exchange-value, price ?
Yes. There are two main forms of value: the simple form of value, i.e., the direct exchangeability of one commodity against another, and the price, i.e., the exchangeability of money against any commodity. Actually, Section 3 of Chapter 1 of Capital lists four forms of value: the simple, the expanded, the general, and the money form (=price). But the expanded and general are only transitional forms. Here is a short rundown of the forms: (1) Simple form. For instance, if the linen weaver needs a coat, then the coat can be used to "buy" linen. (2) Expanded form. The linen weaver not only needs a coat but also many other things. Therefore many other things can be used to "buy" linen as well. (3) General form. Reversal of the expanded form: linen can be used to buy all other commodities. Requires a social agreement to select a commodity for this privileged position of general equivalent. (4) Money form. If the same use-value, for instance gold, is always and everywhere recognized as general equivalent, then it is called money. This opens a new chapter, because this money is no longer just an exchange relation, but it can serve as the incarnation of abstract wealth. From servant it develops into king. Hans. My Capital Annotations are at http://www.econ.utah.edu/~ehrbar/akmc.htm
