Monograms first appeared on coins, as early as 350BC. The earliest known examples are of the names of Greek cities which issued the coins, often the first two letters of the city's name.

When did monogramming become popular?

A symbol of Power

Fast forward a bit to the 8th century, when Charlemagne is credited to a widespread usage of the monogram on goods as a way to represent his power and authority over an area that he conquered.

Who invented the monogram?

The earliest known evidence of a monogram is found on 6th century B.C. Roman coins, which were marked with the ruler's initials to authenticate and legitimize them. The king most often credited for establishing the monogram is Charlemagne (768-814).