The history of coins extends from ancient times to the present, when coins are still widely used for monetary and other purposes.

Since 643 to 630 B.C. in Lydia, coins have been the most common embodiment of money. These first coins were made of electrum, a naturally occurring pale yellow mixture of gold and silver.

The most famous and widely collected coins of antiquity are Roman coins and Greek coins.

Coins historically were produced as hammered coins and as cast coins. Recently modern minting techniques involving presses have been employed.

See also