Who Really Controlled the Money Supply Before Central Banks?

Who really controlled the money supply before central banks existed? The ruler owned the mint, but he was never the only one making money. Kings and princes struck coin and took a share of every piece produced, and many quietly reduced the silver content when war made them desperate. Meanwhile merchants and money changers created credit that circulated exactly like currency. Song dynasty China issued government paper money centuries before any European state attempted it. This documentary explores mints, seigniorage, debasement, coin standards, merchant credit, Chinese paper money and the medieval money supply. You will also see how ordinary people discovered that their coins had been weakened, and what they did about it. From the mints of Europe to the printing offices of Sichuan, discover who was really allowed to create money. #EconomicHistory #TradeHistory #MedievalHistory #BankingHistory #History