The Evolution of Wallets
Ever wonder where the wallet comes from? Well the word “wallet” has been in use since the late 14th Century to refer to a bag or a knapsack for carrying articles. Here’s how the wallet evolved over centuries.
In Greek Mythology
The ancient Greek word “kibisis”, said to describe the sack carried by the god Hermes and the sack in which the mythical hero Perseus carried the decapitated head of Medusa, has been typically translated as “wallet”. Usage of the term “wallet” in its modern meaning of “flat case for carrying paper currency” in American English dates to 1834 but this meaning was one of many in the 19th century and early 20th century.
In The Renaissance
As metals became increasingly used as currencies, wallets began taking shape to include coins, and in some cases, statements of accounts. People carried a ‘bowgett’ (or budget), which was a leather pouch or wallet in which he carried his cash, his book of accounts, and small articles of daily necessity.
19th century
In addition to money or currency, a wallet was considered “semi-civilized” in America to carry one’s wallet on one’s belt. Ironically, at this time, carrying goods or a wallet in one’s pocket was considered uncivilized and uncommon.
Present day
The modern bi-fold wallet with multiple “card slots” became standardized in the early 1950s with the introduction of the first credit cards. This pocket-sized wallet remains extremely popular to this day.
Ancient Wallet
