Listen

4 drachm, Aten, -0480

Is money democratic?

The earliest democracy and widespread use of coins began at the same time: in around 500 BC in Greece. Was this really a coincidence?

Money is a useful way of allowing people to trade as equals. A coin is a coin, no matter who owns it. Perhaps the Greek cities were democratic enough to allow coins to have an impact.

Image rights: Helena Bonnevier, Ekonomiska museet - Kungliga myntkabinettet/SHM (CC BY 4.0)

Object number: 3101881