Currency history traces the evolution of money from barter systems to modern forms of exchange. Initially, people traded goods and services directly, but this method had limitations. To overcome these challenges, ancient civilizations began using items like gold, silver, and cattle as a medium of exchange, which eventually led to the creation of coins. As societies advanced, paper money emerged in China during the Tang Dynasty, around the 7th century. This innovation spread globally, leading to the establishment of banks and the modern financial system. Today, digital currencies, such as Bitcoin, represent the latest evolution in currency, reflecting ongoing changes in how we conduct transactions.