Why is it called minting?

Could you please explain the reasoning behind the term 'minting' in the context of cryptocurrency? I'm curious to understand why this particular term has been adopted and what it signifies in the world of digital assets. Is it a metaphorical reference to the traditional process of minting coins, or does it have a more specific meaning within the cryptocurrency ecosystem? I'm eager to gain a deeper understanding of this terminology and how it relates to the creation and issuance of digital currencies.