Coins are small pieces of metal used as money. They were first used around 600 BCE in Lydia, in modern-day Turkey. Coins made trade easier by providing a standard form of payment.
Coins are often made from metals such as gold, silver, or copper. Many have images of rulers, symbols, or dates stamped on them. Ancient coins from Rome, China, and India have been found in different regions. These objects help show trade routes and economic systems.