Salt Money

About Salt Money

Salt was used as currency across many cultures. Roman soldiers received a salt ration called salarium, giving us the word salary. In Ethiopia, salt bars called amole were the standard currency until the 20th century. Tibetan salt coins were stamped with official marks. Salt was valued because it was essential for food preservation. The scarcity of salt in inland areas made it precious. Salt currency demonstrates how the most basic necessities can serve as money.