The oldest well documented currency is the White Stag note (100,000 Wu Zhu denomination) issued By Emperor Wu of the Han dynasty, ca 118 B.C.. The Tang dynasty followed ca. 700 A.D. No known White stag notes exist - too valuable to not cash in.

Here are some images of other early currencies.

The First is a brick that mimics an early type of "Flying Horse" money supposedly used to aid the Han dynasty economy to be redeemed in cash but easier to carry than a cart load of coins. Similar to a gold-backed paper money used in our recent history that we considered money. This form of "money" often starts the debate of what is money. The unillustrated Han dynasty White Stag note was worth 400,000 cash in these books and again causes a debate about what is money. (if parchment-like material could be considered paper)

The second is a paper note from the Sung dynasty used with a similar use.

The third is the earliest note of which I could find an image, again from the Sung dynasty made in 1024 A.D.

The "Origins of Value" book is one of my favorites because my daughter the librarian gave it to me. It was on the unused (unloved) book pile to be discarded so she said "It looks so boring that I knew you would like it." and saved it for me. It is really a fascinating history book for any bibliomaniac.

The other references are other unloved books that I had to purchase to enjoy. These references are as rare as the items reviewed, such a temptation for the bibliophile.

To read the earlier E-Sylum article, see:
LOOSE CHANGE: NOVEMBER 3, 2024 : Oldest Circulating Currencies in the World(https://www.coinbooks.org/v27/esylum_v27n44a30.html)