The History of Money

By An3176
  • 10,000 BCE

    Bartering

    Bartering
    Early man exchanged resources and services for the benefit for each person
  • 9000 BCE

    Livestock

    Livestock
    Cows, sheep, and camels were the most commonly used currency. It is considered that this is the first currency ever used.
  • 1200 BCE

    Shell money

    Shell money
    These were first used in China. They were found off the coast of the Pacific and Indian Oceans.
  • 1000 BCE

    Metal Coins

    Metal Coins
    Coins were made from base metal first in China. They didn't work out because it was hard to use for more expensive things.
  • 1500

    Gold

    Gold
    Spain found gold in Mexico and the new world and becoming the richest nation in the world.

  • Paper Money

    Paper Money
    France used paper money and declared all taxes must be paid with it to gain acceptance. Paper money became more desired than coin.

  • Government Money

    Government Money
    Abraham Lincoln passed the Legal Tender Act allowing the Government to issue paper money. The Federal Reserve System was then put in place in 1913.

  • Modern Day

    Modern Day
    People use credit or debit cards and can shop online.