The wallet is such an everyday item that its origin story is often overlooked. Hailing back to the ancient world, the wallet has seen many transformations over the centuries.

From the Ancient Greeks to modern society, the wallet has been by our side in one form or another, but it has always been meant to hold what we need in order to carry on in our daily lives.

How It All Began

In the ancient world, there are very few references to wallets as we know them today, but rather to the items that were used for the same purpose. 

Before the invention of currency, people would carry small bags that would hold items for trading, personal effects such as memorabilia, and other things, much like we do today with cash, cards, and family photos.

The oldest known example of this small pouch was discovered on the preserved body of Ötzi (also known as “The Iceman”), who experts say dates back to approximately 3,300 BC.

Aside from Ötzi, some of the first recordings of coin purses, following the invention of currency, are seen as far back as Ancient Greece. Indeed, there are references to the Greek god Hermes who carries a pouch, or small bag, designed to carry his personal items.

Fast Forward to 1300

During this period, we begin to see wallets taking a more recognizable form. By now, it was no longer necessary to carry everything a person owned or needed (such as food). The designs became smaller and were only used for coins and identifications. 

As a society, we began to place more value on the wallet and regarded it as an essential daily accessory.

Having this receptacle that was used to carry money became a status item, as only the rich could afford the fine leather craftsmanship materials. The poor typically used small pouches made of a cheaper leather or hemp sack. 

Even to this day, the craftsmanship and quality of a leather wallet still provides an elegance and sophistication often associated with the elite.

The Wallet During the Renaissance

By the end of the 1600s and the Renaissance period, paper money had been invented and was travelling fast across the globe. Coins were still used, but paper money meant that there was no longer a need for a coin purse, which could be bulky and often difficult to conceal.

With paper money, wallets took another design change and started to resemble what we use today with the bi-fold style. This allowed the money to fold and lay flat in a smaller rectangular holder that could slip inside a jacket or pant pocket. 

The Wallet in the 1800s

At this time, wallets began to take on more forms, and craftsmen started introducing colour and decorative stitching. With paper money now being used in full force, wallets started to become increasingly popular.

This was especially true in the United States, where paper money led to the rise in consumerism and capitalism. The need for a sturdy and efficient way to carry money was now of the utmost importance in many people’s daily lives. 

However, the term “wallet” was not always used. Instead, the method for carrying paper money was referred to as “money clips wallets”. While the term “money clip” may remind you of a small metallic clip that holds paper bills, in the 1800s, it was used to refer to the folding wallet in which money and other small personal items were held.  

We also see a slight shift in the use of the wallet. In many cultures, the money clips wallet would not only carry paper money but also smoking paraphernalia. Thus, there became a need for multiple sections in the wallet to keep the tobacco and money separate.

The Roaring 1920s and the 1930s

Not much changed from the 1800s to the 1920s, but here we see a resurgence in the wallet, its design, and function as well. People found that they were more affluent, as this was before the Wall Street crash, the following recessions, and WWII.

Wallets became “flashy” as well as functional. Still, the need for high-quality leather remained.

In the 1930s, banks and large retail stores introduced cards, and so the wallet design began to change again. The wallets became increasingly slimmer to make it easier for consumers to carry without having large, bulky items uncomfortably on them. 

The humble wallet now resembled our modern wallet. The only thing missing was the RFID technology incorporated in today’s wallet designs.

A New World With a New Wallet

While we are far away from the small pouch that people once carried a long time ago, the wallet is still a status symbol and can give you a sense of security. Throughout history, the one thing that has stayed the same is that the best way to carry important items is with a product made of the highest quality leather. 

At Artizanni, we are proud to uphold this tradition of using the best quality leather as we handcraft each item once purchased. Using the finest buff leather or full-grain cow leather, every hand-stitched wallet is carefully designed and crafted to proudly present your style and status. Designed with RFID technology, you can have peace of mind knowing your debit and credit cards are protected from thieves. 

Our money clips wallets are a high-fashion statement and an essential travel accessory. They are slim in design, vintage or modern in appearance, and are durable and created to withstand the test of time, all while being sleek and discrete.

Due to this expert high-end quality, Artizanni products are sold exclusively online. You can call our professional and friendly customer service at 905-495-0224 or contact us here. Free shipping is available on orders over $75.