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9000 BCE
Livestock Use As Currency
Livestock such as cattle, sheep, and camels could be used for determining worth for how useful and multi-versed each animal is. -
1200 BCE
Cowrie Shells
The use of the shells of a mollusc that was prevalent within the waters of the Pacific and Indian Ocean were used within Asia. This currency became the longest and most widely used currency of all mankind. -
650 BCE
The First Mint Coin
Ephesus of Ionia uses the first recorded coins using a metal called electrum. -
600 BCE
New Chinese Method of Making Coins
The Zhou Dynasty created a new way to make coins by puring molten bronze into moulds. -
550 BCE
First Coins of Silver and Gold BC
King Croesus of Lydia creates the first coins made out of silver and gold. -
500 BCE
Roman Empire's Use of Unworked Lumps of Bronze
Rome's take on currency was for straight, unfinshed bronze to use and used sheep and cattle to determine its worth. -
300 BCE
Creation of the Idea of Modern Banking
The Greek Empire sophisticates their banking system by having private entrepreneurs, temples, and public bodies taking part in financial transactions. Depositing, making loans, and currency exchanges start to become prevelant. -
200 BCE
Shi Huangdi Proposes Round Coin To East Asia
Shi Huangdi introduces the round coin with hole in the middle to East Asia, this style of coins becomes a staple for the next two milennia. -
118 BCE
First Documented Type of Banknote
These leather coins used in China became the first documented type of banknote. -
Jan 1, 800
Noses for Debt Repayments
Danes in Ireland would remove the noses of individuals who refused to pay a poll tax. -
Jan 1, 806
Introduction of Paper Currency
China becomes the first civilization to use a paper currency. However, this new way became faulty because rapid production led to massive inflation. -
Jan 1, 1500
The Potlach
Form of Native American value exchange based on extravagant gifts along with dances, feasts, celebrations, and other public rituals. -
Jan 1, 1535
Wampums
Strings of beads made from clam shells were used between tribes as gifts and is considered a form of currency. -
Gold Standard Introduced to England
Gold becomes the standard of value in England. -
End of the Gold Standard
The Great Depression of the 1930s affected the entire world economy. This worldwide depression led to the value of gold being devalued and being revised. After this event, international monetary regulation is introduced which leads to the formation of modern day currencies across the world.