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 led to the development 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 banknotes and eventually digital currencies. Today, currencies are regulated by governments and central banks, reflecting economic stability and facilitating trade.