Money makes the world go round, and it’s often the focus of many people in their everyday lives. How to make more money? What to spend hard-earned money on? How to find a bargain? These are just a few of the questions many might contemplate daily. Did you ever stop and wonder, however, about the more interesting facts regarding money? It’s seen, used and spent, but TBH how much is really known about it? SMH!
Here are 5 interesting facts about the money you might not already know.
- There Are Over 170 Different Currencies Used Around the World
You may have only experienced a few of them with your home currency and a little vacation spending when you change your money over, but there’s probably more than you think, including currencies you have never heard of before.
Despite the huge variation of currency, the US dollar is actually the most commonly used.
Furthermore, currency has come a long way: before the popularity of the US dollar, of paper money, and the ease of credit cards, salt was actually once used as a currency, too. Soldiers in the early Roman army actually used salt as currency, due to its high value at the time. The word salary actually comes from salt, deriving from the Latin for it, which is sal.
- China Developed the First Paper Money
The first record of paper money being used was in China in the seventh century. Despite its development (and its popularity now in modern-day), it wasn’t actually widespread in Europe until 1000 years after its first production.
Despite banknotes coming a long way from their Chinese origins, Monopoly money is actually printed more often than real money! You probably always liked to wish that Monopoly money was real when you played (especially when you had a good hand), and now it feels even more like real cash value when you think it’s printed more often than genuine banknotes!
- Making Money Heightens Brain Activity
Neural activity in the brain is heightened when dealing with money negotiation, such as earning money or trying to win money. So whether it’s looking to make money online surveys offer or playing games for money recreationally, your brain is going to be stimulated at the possibility of earning extra cash.
After all, money is motivation.
- Credit Cards Were First Used in 1920 in the US
It’s strange to think of a time before you were able to make quick and easy transactions, all with the simplicity of pulling a piece of plastic from your pocket — but before 1920, that’s exactly how it was in the US.
However, did you know that Icelanders actually use credit cards more than anyone else? You’d think since the 1920s, the US would top the list for most-used credit cards, but Icelanders actually favor electronic card transactions the most.
- Queen Elizabeth II Has Appeared the Most on Money
This particular British monarch has graced more currency than anybody else. Other favorites to appear on money include Abraham Lincoln, who first appeared on a coin in 1909, and was actually the very first American to be pictured on a coin.
FAQ
What are some early forms of money?
Furthermore, currency has come a long way: before the popularity of the US dollar, of paper money, and the ease of credit cards, salt was actually once used as a currency, too. Soldiers in the early Roman army actually used salt as currency, due to its high value at the time. The word salary actually comes from salt, deriving from the Latin for it, which is sal.
How does money affect my brain?
Neural activity in the brain is heightened when dealing with money negotiation, such as earning money or trying to win money. So whether it’s looking to make money online surveys offer or playing games for money recreationally, your brain is going to be stimulated at the possibility of earning extra cash.
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