Note that the use of metal coins was well established prior to the Roman empire. It is generally believed that the Lydians were the first to use what would be r

Note that the use of metal coins was well established prior to the Roman empire. It is generally believed that the Lydians were the first to use what would be recognizable as a metal coin. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_coins https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_coins