The Daily Life of Money in History

What can a Roman coin, a Chumash shell necklace, and a Bitcoin tell us about world history? This book traces the surprising life of money across centuries and civilizations.

The Daily Life of Money in History offers an eye-opening look at how humans have exchanged value across time and cultures. Each of the 150 entries explores a single object—beautifully illustrated and deeply contextualized—to uncover how people bought, sold, traded, saved, and survived through the ages.

Designed with researchers, educators, students, and curious readers in mind, this richly visual volume brings together cultural history, economic life, and global exchange in a highly accessible format. Each object includes origin details, historical purchasing power, and its legacy today—making it an ideal reference for classrooms, libraries, and history lovers alike.