| Basis of difference | Paper money | Metallic money |
| 1. Definition | Paper money is the money that consists of currency notes issued by the government or the central bank of that country. | Precious metals or any other metal having high intrinsic value used as money are called metallic money. |
| 2. Developed | It was developed as a substitute of metallic currency | It was developed before the development of paper money. |
| 3. Durability | Paper money is less durable | Metallic money is highly durable. |
| 4. Portability | It possesses a higher degree of portability. | It possesses a lower degree of portability |
| 5. Examples | Paper notes of Rs. 5, Rs. 10 etc. | Gold coins, silver coins etc. |