The word money comes from the Latin word "moneta". Moneta was the name of the place where money was made in ancient Rome. Early forms of money included beads, shells, stones and gems, and even whales teeth. Furs, cattle, tea and tobacco have also been used as money. Early money was weighed, not counted. Coins, which have their value stamped on them, became popular because they allowed money to be counted. As trading between countries increased, so did the use of money. It was a convenient way for people to purchase goods in large quantities.