On 8 December 2020, in the exhibition area of the Museum of Bulgarian Civilization a staff member of Bolgar Museum-Reserve Paramonycheva T. N. opened an exhibition “Money at all times”.
The exhibition included materials from the funds of the museum-reserve: paper money of 1898-1961, coins, cowrie shells and ceramic moneyboxes of XIII-XIV centuries.
Money is one of the greatest human inventions playing a huge role in the life of society. Money appeared as some kind of equivalent, which was necessary in case of the exchange of goods, and during its long history, it took a wide range of forms – cattle, fur, grain, pearls and even shells.
Gradually money took a form of coins made of nonferrous metals (platinum, gold, silver and copper) and had a price, which was sustainable over time. With the growth and development of trade, more and more money was needed but resources for its manufacture were limited. In addition, the process of coinage was long and labor-intensive at that time, and large amounts were inconvenient in circulation because of their large weight and transportation problems. That is why at a certain stage in the development of society, paper analogs of metal money became current. They were less permanent than metal money but convenience and rapidity of production allowed to replace easily worn-out bills.
It is possible to study the history of the state not only by chronicles and cultural monuments but also by its currency because it clearly represents the stages in evolution and growth of the state. Sometimes one yellowed bill or an old coin can help to recreate the character of a period.

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