Step 1: Fact-checking the Assertion.
Money is specifically designed to be durable and long-lasting so that it can facilitate trade over time. Unlike agricultural produce, money does not decay or rot; therefore, describing it as "perishable" is factually incorrect.
Step 2: Fact-checking the Reason.
One of the fundamental functions of money is its ability to act as a "store of value." This means wealth can be held in the form of money and spent at a later date, effectively shifting purchasing power across time. This statement is true.
Step 3: Conclusion.
Because the first statement contains a false claim regarding the physical nature of money while the second statement correctly identifies a functional characteristic, option (D) is the correct choice.
Final Answer: Assertion (A) is false, but Reason (R) is true.