Coins have been in use for thousands of years, but there is some argument as to the actual origin of coins. Early examples of coins have been found that originate in China, India and Lydia (Turkey). It would appear that the coins were used for some official purpose in Lydia since the King of Lydia, King Alyattes appears on the coins.
It is thought that the first coins in India were made around the 6th century BC. The Byzantine Empire also minted a number of coins which were thin pieces of gold which had Christian images such as the cross on them as well as images of various Byzantine emperors. From their early beginnings, coins have been used to trade goods between nations and individuals. The practice of putting a King or political figures head on the coin is a very old one and continues today.
Coins made it easy to exchange goods for individuals to exchange goods with one another, without having to barter. A coin would be traded instead of another good or service, which is still how the developed world does business today.
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