Human history has been significantly affected by silver from ancient times. Silver was first found in large amounts around 5000 BC when prehistoric people dug the first copper mines.
Large-scale silver mining had developed in Anatolia, also called Asia Minor, by 3000 BC. Later, people began using it as jewelry or decorative items, and ultimately, a currency.

Using Silver as the monetary standard dates as far back as 3000 BC with the Sumerians and lasted until 1873.
For over two thousand years, silver was used everywhere from Ancient Greece to the Spanish Empire as currency.

Silver had an important role in global trade during the Age of Exploration. Spanish conquistadors found huge silver deposits in South America, especially Mexico present-day Peru, and Bolivia. The New World’s massive inflow of silver had great effects on the world economy resulting in the opening up of trade routes between Europe, Asia, and the Americas.