The word "coin" has a long history, and it comes from the Latin word "cuneus." "Cuneus" meant "wedge" or "die."

Ancient Times: In ancient times, coins were often made by striking metal with a "die," which was a tool with a design on it. That "die" was a "cuneus" in Latin.

Middle Ages: The Latin "cuneus" changed over time into different words in different languages. In Old French, it became "coin." English: The English language borrowed the word "coin" from Old French. So, the word "coin" originally referred to the tool used to make the actual piece of money! It's like how we might say "printing" for paper money, because that's how it's made.