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Iron bars -

In the 17th and 18th centuries, some parts of West Africa used iron bars as currency. These bars, called barriferri, would be mostly used to make tools and weapons.

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Cloth -

Cloth was used as currency by several cultures, particularly across the Indian subcontinent and Africa. It was durable, it didn't perish, and it could be used to make clothing.

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Livestock -

It's easy to see how livestock was used as currency. Not only can animals be consumed as food, they can also be used for transportation and labor. This type of currency was mostly used across Africa and Asia.

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Humans -

Sadly, humans were once considered property and used as currency. The roots of the slave trade can be traced all the way back to the first civilizations, and lasted for centuries.

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Beer -

Can you imagine trading goods for beer? Well, this was a reality in Mesopotamia. Beer was used to pay workers and taxes, and to acquire goods and services. Pictured is a writing tablet recording the allocation of beer circa 3100-3000 BCE.

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Tea -

Tea was used as currency in Tibet. Tea bricks were used as a unit of value until coins and notes were introduced in the 20th century.

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Yams -

These root vegetables were used as currency in Papua New Guinea. Nutritionally, they're rich in carbohydrates as well as vitamins and minerals,  and they can be stored for long periods of time.

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Feathers -

Feathers were a big deal for Aztecs, making them a valuable commodity across the Aztec Empire. These would be used to make clothing, jewelry, and headdresses like the one pictured.

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Tobacco -

Tobacco played an important role for the native peoples of North America. From the Cherokee to the Sioux and the Navajo, to name a few, tobacco was used to pay for a number of things. 

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Jade -

This exquisite gemstone was used as currency across Mesoamerica and in some parts of Asia, such as China. It would be used to purchase goods and services, but also had cultural and religious significance.

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Cocoa beans -

Both Mayan and Aztec civilizations in Mesoamerica used cocoa beans as currency. These would be used to make chocolate! Do we need to say more?

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Cowrie shells -

Cowrie shells were a popular currency in parts of Africa, Asia, and Oceania. These small marine shells can be used as ornaments and to make necklaces, bracelets, etc.

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Teeth -

Some cultures in Polynesia and Melanesia used teeth as currency. These were usually animal teeth, but human teeth were also used. And not only were teeth valuable, but they were also associated with power and fertility.

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Whale teeth -

Whale teeth were a valuable commodity, especially in Fiji and Tonga. Not only would these be used to pay for goods and services, but they were also used in ceremonies and given as gifts on special occasions.

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Ambergris -

Ambergris is a solid, waxy substance produced by sperm whales. It had a lot of value in South America, Africa, and Asia. It was used to make jewelry and even used in traditional medicine. Ambergris was also famously used in perfumes for many years.

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Wampum -

These traditional shell beads were used as currency by some Native American tribes, particularly in the Northeast. Not only were these used as currency, but they were also used for ceremonial purposes and as a form of diplomacy.

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Kilimanjaro stones -

Kilimanjaro stones, also known as Chagga stones or Meru stones, were used as currency in Tanzania. Different types of stones were collected from the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro and used across the country and even other parts of East Africa.

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Rai stones -

On the island of Yap in Micronesia, these enormous limestone disks with holes were used for a number of things, including during ceremonies and as currency.

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Beads -

Beads have been used across the globe as currency. From Africa to Asia and Europe, their rarity and beauty made them relevant in many parts of the world.

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Amber -

This gorgeous fossilized resin exuded from tree bark is very much appreciated all around the world. It was used as currency for many years in the Baltic region.

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Rice -

Rice not only is a popular food across Asia, but it was actually used as currency in China and Japan. Different types of rice had different value. For instance, rice from the Kanto Plain in Japan or the Yangtze River Delta in China was highly valuable.

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Wine -

Wine was used as currency in antiquity. Ancient Romans and Greeks used it not only as a drink, but also for ceremonial purposes. And, of course, to pay for goods, services, and taxes.

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Olives -

In addition to wine, ancient Romans and Greeks also used olives a currency back then.

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Silk -

Even to this day, silk is considered a superior natural fiber. The Chinese always knew this, and used it as currency for centuries.

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Spices -

From India to Indonesia, spices have been used for culinary and medicinal purposes for millennia. Spices such as cinnamon, cardamom, or cloves were used as currency in various parts of Asia.

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Porcelain -

This exquisite ceramic material was used as currency in China until the 19th century. Different types of porcelain had different value.

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Ivory -

Ivory was a valuable commodity and a form of currency in both Africa and Asia. It was heavily traded with Europeans and eventually made illegal. Sadly, animals are still being poached to this day, as ivory is still extremely valuable on the black market.

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Furs -

For North America and Siberia, fur trade was big business. Before the Europeans got involved, fur was simple currency used by native peoples.

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Timber -

Timber can  be used to build structures, so it's easy to see why timber was used as currency in Scandinavia and Russia.

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Opium -

Opium was used as a currency in China up until the early 20th century. 

Sources: (BBC) (Business Insider) (Discover Walks) (List25) (Britannica) 

See also: What were the Opium Wars?

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