11 of the world's most unusual currencies

The 11 most unusual currencies in the world

Long before there were coins minted, people traded cattle and spices for goods. In more recent times, the likes of cocoa and even parmesan cheese have been used as collateral. Let’s have a look through history at 11 of the most unusual currencies from around the globe.

Cowrie shells

The cowrie shell has been used as a currency in China, Africa and Arabia, although as supplies from the ocean ran out people manufactured their own versions. Perhaps the first instance of fake currency.