Crossword Genius

The Americans do not value them very highly (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

cents

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'the americans' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are plural nouns, I can't understand how they can define each other.

'do not value them very highly' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite understand how this works, but
'not' could be 'nt' (synonyms) and 'nt' is present in the answer.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for cents that I've seen before include "money abroad" , "Fractions of dollar" , "American coins" , "Hundredths of dollar" , "US money, e.g." .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.