Exonumia_ The History of Non-Traditional Currency

Exonumia, a term that encompasses various forms of numismatic items that are not legal tender coins or currency, has a rich and diverse history that spans across different cultures and time periods. The origins of exonumia can be traced back to ancient times when civilizations started using items other than coins for trade and commerce. For instance, in ancient Egypt, small metal tokens, known as "proto-money," were used as a form of exchange for goods and services. These early examples of exonumia were often shaped like animals, tools, or symbols, and served as a medium of exchange within a particular community or region.