Coin History

Coins extend back into history from the ancient times to the present day. Before minting coins was perfected, there were some very crude coins fashioned many different types of materials and came in all sizes and shapes. In ancient times as in present the present day, they are used for monetary exchanges of goods and services. Because of inflation, there is a push in the US to do away with pennies since it actually cost more to mint a penny than the penny is worth.

It is thought the first minting of copper money was accomplished by the Shang Dynasty in the 11 century BC. There were copper cast coins found in a tomb that was dated to the dynasty.

Western histories of coins point to the around 600 BC as being they time in which coins for exchange were introduced. These coins were made with electrum which is a naturally occurring pale yellow mixture of gold and silver.

Some of the most prized and famous coins are those of Roman and Greek origin. The Development of Roman Coins which were irregular lumps of bronze called aes rude, are the earliest known common measure of value in central Italy. Many different types and denomination followed and these coins today are worth small fortunes.

Today, with the cost of materials increasing, coins are being minted more often with added alloys to reduce the cost of the raw silver, copper or gold that goes into them. Platinum coins are minted but those are usually for special collector sets and not in circulation.

When every you get change, be sure to look through it just in case there is a treasure. It's rare but on occasion people who have save coins that were passed down from family members have spent them without knowing their true value. This in turn have been given out to change to some unsuspecting patron and only discovered when it made its way into the hands of somebody who know its worth.

Stranger things have happened so always keep an eye open just in case you get lucky!