Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Evolution of Money
Evolution of Money
Commodity Money: As societies grew more complex, certain commodities with intrinsic value, such
as salt, shells, or precious metals like gold and silver, began to be used as a medium of exchange.
These items were widely accepted because of their inherent value and durability.
Coinage: Around 600 BCE, the Lydians in present-day Turkey were the first to create standardized
coins made of electrum (a natural alloy of gold and silver). Coins facilitated trade by providing a more
convenient and widely recognized medium of exchange. Various civilizations around the world
eventually adopted coinage.
Paper Money: The use of paper money originated in China during the Tang Dynasty (7th century CE).
Merchants and traders initially used privately issued banknotes as a representation of the gold or silver
held by the issuing authority. Paper money proved to be more convenient than carrying heavy coins.
Fiat Money: Fiat money derives its value from a government decree or legal tender status rather than
its intrinsic value. This system gained prominence during the last few centuries. Governments issued
paper currency not directly backed by a commodity. Instead, people trusted that the currency had
value due to government backing and the belief that it could be exchanged for goods and services.
Electronic Money: With the advent of technology, electronic forms of money emerged. Credit cards,
debit cards, and electronic transfers became popular, allowing for instant transactions without physical
currency. The rise of the internet and digital payment systems further revolutionized the way people
exchange value.
Throughout history, money has evolved from simple bartering to sophisticated digital transactions. The
form of money continues to evolve as technology advances and societies adapt to new financial
systems and innovations.