Coinage developed independently in China and Lydia around 3,000 years ago.

Evidence

Fascinatingly, it happened independently in two different parts of the world at almost the same time. The Chinese began using miniature spades and knives in very much the same way that we would now use coins, and virtually simultaneously in the Mediterranean world the Lydians started making actual coins as we would still recognize them – round shapes in precious metals. — Neil MacGregor, A History of the World in 100 Objects, 419

Categorization

• corroborated: 2 independent passages support this claim — Neil MacGregor, A History of the World in 100 Objects, 419
• XREF: connects to: The introduction of coinage enabled new forms of trade and trust in economic systems. — Neil MacGregor, A History of the World in 100 Objects, 426

Broader Connections

• The introduction of coinage enabled new forms of trade and trust in economic systems. #expands (0.60) — Neil MacGregor, A History of the World in 100 Objects, 426