History of Money
Journey through 10,000 years of monetary evolution from shells to crypto
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What is Money?
The Evolution of Exchange
Money didn't always exist. For 90% of human history, people survived through direct barter - trading goods and services without a common medium. This system worked in small communities but collapsed as societies grew complex.
⚠️ The Barter Problem
Imagine you're a chicken farmer who needs shoes. You must find a shoemaker who:
- •Wants chickens (not everyone does)
- •Has shoes available (timing must align)
- •Agrees chickens = shoes (value negotiation)
This "double coincidence of wants" made complex trade nearly impossible.
✨ The Money Solution
Money emerged as a universally accepted medium of exchange. Now the chicken farmer sells chickens for money, then buys shoes with that money - no need to find a chicken-loving shoemaker. This simple innovation enabled specialization, trade networks, and complex economies.
📅 Timeline Overview
🔄
100,000 BCE - 3000 BCE
Barter & Commodity Money
🪙
600 BCE - 1450 CE
Metal Coins Dominate
💵
806 CE - 1971 CE
Paper Money & Gold Standard
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1971 CE - Present
Fiat Currency & Digital Money