• 1200 BCE

    Cowrie shells

    Cowrie shells
    The Cowrie was invented in China.
  • 650 BCE

    First coins

    First coins
    The first coins were invented in present day Turkey in the 7th century BC.
    They were stamped with the insignia of the King.
  • 1150

    Paper money

    Paper money
    Paper money was invented in China by the Mongolian Emperor, Kubla Khan in the 11th century.
  • Cheques

    Cheques
    The Cheques were invented in Britain by British bankers Clayton and Morris.
    Bank notes only appeared in Europe in 1661.
  • Cash registers

    Cash registers
    The Cash registers were invented in America by the American saloon-bar owner James Ritty.
    Ritty's objective was to stop dishonest employees from stealing money.
  • Credit cards

    Credit cards
    The Credit card was invented in New York.
    Also called 'plastic money'.
  • Digital money

    Digital money
    Digital money was invented in the USA.
    It will probably be the money of the future.
  • The Euro

    The Euro
    The Euro was invented in Europe.
    The common European currency.