2025

Introduction

Pawn shops have indeed played a significant role in financial systems throughout history, serving as crucial sources of short-term credit, especially for those without access to traditional banking services. The practice dates back to ancient civilizations such as China, Greece, and Rome, where personal items were pledged as collateral in exchange for loans. The word “pawn” itself is derived from the Latin word pignus, meaning “pledge” or “security.” The idea of securing a loan with personal possessions quickly spread to other cultures and regions, where it evolved into the familiar pawn shop system we know today.

During the Middle …