Uses of money
During its
history, money has been put to a wide range of uses, not all of
which are familiar to us today. Once a group of people agree on
something to use as money, and on the value it carries, then a
whole range of possibilities open up. Some uses are obvious, and
were perhaps among the reasons why money was created. Others are
less obvious, and reveal how different societies approach money in
different ways. The British Museum has many examples of the
different and important uses of money throughout
history.
Warfare
Warfare rarely occurs without the involvement of money. Troops
have to be paid, weapons and provisions bought. The effects of war
also have their costs, both in repairs to physical damage, and in
damage 
to the economy caused
by the instability of war. War also affects the way we use money.
People may save their money rather than spend it, prices may rise
and unusual types of money have to be created to provide for
temporary emergencies. Paying for warfare is one of the ways in
which money is used to retain power, but there are less brutal ways
of doing this. Gift giving has often been a way for governments to
retain good relations with neighbours and allies.
Politics
Money and politics have always been closely linked. The United
Kingdom's Labour Party spent over twelve million pounds
during its election campaign of 1997, proving that this
continues up the present day.
In many political systems, power has been restricted to the
wealthy. Equally, political authority has allowed people to get
rich personally, while working for the state. Those in power have
often fiercely guarded their control over the production of money
and a large part of government is concerned with money. Taxes or
tribute are paid to a government, which then pays out money on
defence, health, and other services. Public support can often be
won through public spending.
Display
Much of the a
ttraction of money
comes from the way it can be used to acquire power, material
comfort or social status. Many people, both rulers and individuals,
have felt that the display of wealth can improve their
position.
In many societies people have been reluctant to show off
personal wealth, because of moral objections to moneymaking. For
this reason, instead of flaunting money, wealth is often displayed
indirectly, for example by erecting magnificent buildings.
Money continues to be used for private displays of wealth and
status, reaffirming the individual’s place in society.
Ritual payments
Money and religious or philosophical beliefs are central
to
how some societies
work and can affect our behaviour. Money and belief do not
necessarily conflict.
The giving of money plays an important part in a variety of
rituals, and the power of many religions has been built in part on
their wealth. However, most religions have been concerned about the
moral implications of the use of money.
Protection has been sought throughout history by using money as
an amulet or lucky charm. In many cultures, money is linked to
luck, perhaps as money is thought to 
make life
easier.
Also, money has been, and still is, important for making a
variety of social payments. These include money forming part of
many funerary and wedding ceremonies, and payments being made as
compensation for wrong-doing. Although some of these rituals may
appear unfamiliar to us today, many still exist. Examples include
receiving money in return for milk teeth, or throwing coins into
‘wishing’ wells.
More information about objects featured here (from
top)