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The Global Insight

Who invented paper money first?

Author

Michael Gray

Updated on April 07, 2026

Tang dynasty China
Paper currency first developed in Tang dynasty China during the 7th century, although true paper money did not appear until the 11th century, during the Song dynasty. The usage of paper currency later spread throughout the Mongol Empire or Yuan dynasty China.

Where did the first money come from?

No one knows for sure who first invented such money, but historians believe metal objects were first used as money as early as 5,000 B.C. Around 700 B.C., the Lydians became the first Western culture to make coins. Other countries and civilizations soon began to mint their own coins with specific values.

What country invented money?

The Chinese were the first to devise a system of paper money, in approximately 770 B.C.

What is the cheapest money in the world?

Iranian Rial
The Iranian Rial is the least valued currency in the world. It is the lowest currency to USD. For the simplification of calculations, Iranians regularly use the term ‘Toman’. 1 Toman equals 10 Rials.

Who was the first person to use paper money?

The First Paper Money Keren Su / CORBIS Paper bills were first used by the Chinese, who started carrying folding money during the Tang Dynasty (A.D. 618-907) — mostly in the form of privately issued bills of credit or exchange notes — and used it for more than 500 years before the practice began to catch on in Europe in the 17th century.

When did the Chinese start using paper money?

Keren Su / CORBIS. Paper bills were first used by the Chinese, who started carrying folding money during the Tang Dynasty (A.D. 618-907) — mostly in the form of privately issued bills of credit or exchange notes — and used it for more than 500 years before the practice began to catch on in Europe in the 17th century.

Why was paper money used in the 19th century?

The History of Paper Currency. In the 19th century, paper money began appearing to replace varying coin systems, often as a result of regime changes but sometimes because of war. Early paper money was placed on the gold or silver standard, which allowed equal exchange of gold for the value printed on the paper.

What was the first paper currency in Germany?

Germany In 1873, Germany issued its first paper currency, calling it the gold mark. German paper currency was called the papiermark, beginning in 1914 as the mark lost its link with gold because of World War I. In 1924, Germany introduced the reichsmark, replacing the papiermark because of the rising inflation.