The Greek drachma lasted about 2,650 years total - from around 650 BC to 2001 AD when Greece adopted the euro. That makes it arguably the longest-running currency name in history.

But here's the catch: it wasn't continuous. The ancient drachma died with the Roman conquest, got revived in modern Greece (1832), survived two world wars, hyperinflation that makes Weimar look tame, and multiple devaluations.

So while the NAME lasted longest, the actual monetary system was more like a zombie currency - kept dying and getting resurrected. The British pound has more claim to continuous existence.

Still, 2,650 years is impressive for any currency, even with the gaps. Shows how deep monetary traditions run in human civilization.