Bruno Venditti
2024-09-15 14:22:54
www.visualcapitalist.com
The 10 Oldest Currencies Still Used Today
This was originally posted on our Voronoi app. Download the app for free on iOS or Android and discover incredible data-driven charts from a variety of trusted sources.
The foreign exchange market, or forex (FX), is a global marketplace where currencies are traded between nations.
Forex is the largest and most liquid market in the world, with over $6.6 trillion traded every day. It has no centralized location, and no single government authority oversees it. Some of the most traded currencies are the U.S. dollar, the euro, the Japanese yen, the Australian dollar, and the Swiss franc.
But did you know that some currencies have been around for centuries? In this graphic, we highlight the 10 oldest currencies still traded today, according to various online sources.
The British Pound: Over 1,200 Years Old
The British pound, also known as the pound sterling, is the oldest currency still in use. It dates back to around 775 AD, during the Anglo-Saxon period, when silver pennies were first minted in what is now England.
The pound sterling became the official currency of England in the 12th century under King Henry II, with one pound originally representing a pound of silver.
User | Currency | Introduced |
---|---|---|
UK + 9 British territories | British pound | 8th century |
Serbia | Serbian dinar | 1214 |
Russia | Russian ruble | 13th century |
U.S. | Dollar | 1785 |
Haiti | Haitian gourde | 1813 |
Falkland Islands | Falkland Islands pound | 1833 |
Dominican Republic | Dominican peso | 1844 |
Switzerland | Swiss franc | 1850 |
Canada | Canadian dollar | 1871 |
Japan | Yen | 1871 |
After the British pound, the oldest currencies still used today are the Serbian dinar and the Russian ruble. Both were first introduced in the 13th century.
The U.S. dollar, the most traded currency in the world, was officially adopted in 1785.
Learn More on the Voronoi App
To learn more about global currencies, check out this graphic that shows the world’s top reserve currencies as of Q1 2024.
The post The 10 Oldest Currencies Still Used Today appeared first on Visual Capitalist.
Support Techcratic
If you find value in Techcratic’s insights and articles, consider supporting us with Bitcoin. Your support helps me, as a solo operator, continue delivering high-quality content while managing all the technical aspects, from server maintenance to blog writing, future updates, and improvements. Support Innovation! Thank you.
Bitcoin Address:
bc1qlszw7elx2qahjwvaryh0tkgg8y68enw30gpvge
Please verify this address before sending funds.
Bitcoin QR Code
Simply scan the QR code below to support Techcratic.
Please read the Privacy and Security Disclaimer on how Techcratic handles your support.
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, Techcratic may earn from qualifying purchases.