The Strangest Things People Used as Money (Before Cash Existed)

Dog Teeth Currency

In Papua New Guinea, dog teeth were once widely used as currency—yes, actual canine teeth. These sharp little tokens held value in tribal barter systems, especially for buying food, tools, and even wives. The more intact and gleaming the teeth, the higher their worth.

Necklaces made from dozens of dog teeth were wearable wallets, displayed with pride. This form of currency had social and ceremonial value, tying wealth directly to hunting skill and animal resources. Not great news for the dogs, but very effective money at the time.

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