Metallic currency refers to money made from metals, typically gold, silver, or copper. These metals are shaped into coins, which have intrinsic value based on their metal content. Historically, metallic currency was widely used because it was durable and portable, making it easier for people to trade goods and services. The use of metallic currency dates back to ancient civilizations, where coins were minted to standardize trade. Over time, many countries adopted fiat currency, which is not backed by physical metals but rather by government decree. Despite this shift, metallic coins are still used today in various forms for everyday transactions.