Combining objects together

Hello.. i am trying to combine 2 objects together in a seamless way and i cant figure out how to do it.

I am trying to create various custom currencies.. and i have various shapes on top of the other that together make the currencies. I grouped them and then created outlines. But when i double click i can still see the different shapes and parts i used to create the image.

How can i make it seamless ... a one piece?

Thanks for your time! Waiting on your feedback!

Use the pathfinder option or you can always type shift+M and then select with the mouse the objects you want to combine or divide

Wow i've never used the shape builder tool (shift+m). cool. I usually just select the 2 objects, open the pathfinder (ctrl+shift+F9) and click the top left button.