Foods Once Used as Money

Foods Once Used as Money

Radiocity
By Radiocity Team
Published Jun 30, 2025
In ancient Mesoamerica, cocoa beans were so valuable that they were used to pay taxes and buy goods like clothing or even slaves.

Cocoa Beans – Currency of the Aztecs

In ancient Mesoamerica, cocoa beans were so valuable that they were used to pay taxes and buy goods like clothing or even slaves.

The word 'salary' comes from 'salarium'—Roman soldiers were partly paid in salt, a vital preservative and trade item.

Salt – The Original Salary

The word "salary" comes from "salarium"—Roman soldiers were partly paid in salt, a vital preservative and trade item.

In medieval Italy, large wheels of Parmigiano-Reggiano were used as currency and even accepted as bank collateral.

Parmesan Cheese – Italy’s Edible Gold

In medieval Italy, large wheels of Parmigiano-Reggiano were used as currency and even accepted as bank collateral.

Tea Bricks – Currency of Central Asia

Compressed tea leaves formed into bricks were used as currency across Tibet, Mongolia, and China, lasting centuries in trade.

Rice – Standard in Ancient Asia

Rice was used as both food and wealth in feudal Japan and ancient China. Samurai were paid in rice, not coins.

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Spices – Luxury Money of the Old World

Pepper, cloves, and cinnamon were once worth more than gold. Spices were traded like currency in Europe and Asia.

Dried Cod – Nordic Trade Staple

In parts of Scandinavia and Newfoundland, dried cod served as barter currency in fishing communities for centuries.

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