The idea of money is one of the most fascinating ever developed by man. Thousands of years ago money was not used, the «barter» system existed. People exchanged goods with each other. Then such things as beads, shells, salt, skins and even cattle came to be used as money. But they were not easy to store and carry about.
Coins were first used in China. In ancient times they were made of either gold or silver. Later people began to use coins made of cheaper metals. The coins are worth the amount stamped on them and it is backed by the government and banks. People also started to use paper money.
Today we pay with coins, paper money, cheques, credit cards or travellers cheques.In other words we pay cash, by check or by card.