It took several thousand years to arrive at the sophisticated monetary system that presently exists. The book traces the evolution in the development of money from the ancient art of bartering to the cashless society that exists today. The metallic medium of exchange is explored, as is the replacement of gold by paper money. The value of money and its three main functions, as a medium of exchange, as a standard of value and as a store of wealth are treated. Information about a standard for deferred payments are also covered. Two of the six chapters deal with the never ceasing trouble of counterfeiting, to up-to-date measures being taken to deter its use. The exploits of counterfeiters, infamous, yet colorful, past and present are highlighted. The book includes a forty-one word glossary about useful economic terms, suggestions for further reading and a three page list of works consulted for the extensive research of the book.
