10 Weird Ways People Used to Get Paid From History

When it comes to getting paid, most of us are used to the standard options: cash, check, or direct deposit. But have you ever wondered how people were compensated for their work in the past? Well, get ready because we’re about to take a wild ride through history and explore 11 of the weirdest ways people used to get paid. From precious spices to unconventional animal parts, these strange forms of payment will make you appreciate the convenience of modern currency.

Salt

Imagine getting paid in something you sprinkle on your french fries. In ancient Rome, that was a reality for some workers. Salt was a highly valued commodity, so much so that it was used as a form of currency. In fact, the word “salary” comes from the Latin word “salarium,” which means “salt money.” Roman soldiers were often paid in salt, which they could use to preserve food or trade for other goods.

Knives

Vikings were known for their love of a good blade, but did you know that knives were also used as a form of payment? In Viking society, knives were not only practical tools but also symbols of status and wealth. Merchants and craftsmen would often accept knives as payment for their goods and services. So, if you were a skilled blacksmith in the Viking Age, you might have found yourself with a collection of high-quality knives instead of a bank account.

Cowrie Shells

In many parts of Africa, Asia, and the Pacific Islands, cowrie shells were used as currency for centuries. These small, glossy shells were considered valuable because of their beauty and rarity. People would often string cowrie shells together to create necklaces or bracelets, which could then be used to pay for goods and services. In some cultures, the number of cowrie shells a person possessed was a reflection of their wealth and status.

Wampum

Native American tribes in the northeastern United States and Canada used wampum, which are small beads made from shells, as a form of currency. Wampum beads were painstakingly crafted and often used to create intricate belts or sashes. These beautiful pieces were not only used for trade but also held spiritual significance. They were sometimes given as gifts to seal important agreements or used to record historical events.

Tobacco

In colonial America, tobacco was king. The plant was so valuable that it was often used as a form of currency. Farmers would dry and bundle their tobacco leaves, which could then be traded for goods and services. In some cases, taxes and fines were even paid in tobacco. Can you imagine going to the store and paying for your groceries with a few packs of cigarettes? That’s essentially what people were doing in the early days of America.

Feathers

In some cultures, particularly in South America and parts of Africa, feathers were used as a form of currency. Brightly colored or rare feathers were especially prized and could be traded for goods or services. The Aztecs, for example, used feathers from the quetzal bird to create stunning headdresses and garments. These feathered creations were so valuable that they were sometimes given as gifts to royalty or used to pay tribute to the gods.

Cow tails

In medieval England, cow tails were not just a strange fashion statement – they were also used as a form of payment. Merchants would sometimes accept cow tails as payment for goods and services, particularly for items that were used in bookbinding. The hair from cow tails, known as “cow tail binding,” was used to make the cords that held books together. It may seem like a strange form of currency, but it just goes to show that people will find value in the most unexpected places.

Beads

Beads have been used as a form of currency in many cultures throughout history. In parts of Africa, for example, glass beads were traded for gold, ivory, and other valuable goods. Native American tribes also used beads as a form of currency, often creating intricate patterns and designs that held spiritual significance. Even today, beads are still used as a form of trade in some parts of the world.

Spices

During the Age of Exploration, spices were more valuable than gold. European explorers would travel to the far reaches of the world in search of exotic spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. These spices were so valuable that they were often used as a form of currency. In fact, some countries even based their entire economies on the spice trade. Can you imagine getting paid in a handful of cinnamon sticks? It may sound strange, but it was a reality for some people in the 16th and 17th centuries.

Fur pelts

In the early days of North America, fur pelts were a highly valued commodity. European settlers would trade with Native American tribes for beaver, fox, and other animal furs, which were then shipped back to Europe to be made into hats, coats, and other clothing items. Fur trappers and traders would often be paid in pelts, which they could then trade for other goods and services. It was a tough job, but it was one of the few ways to make a living in the wild frontier.

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