European banknotes appeared in the 17th century. Certificates from English jewelers were used as receipts or served as proof of the client's solvency. By 1660, these receipts had become an alternative to the gold and silver bullion, which were the forerunners of banknotes in England. The Swiss bank, founded in 1656, made loans and mortgages, issued letters of credit and accepted deposits. In 1661 it became the first official bank in Europe to issue banknotes.