In a prolonged SHTF scenario, even the most prepared people will eventually need some form of currency to purchase the goods or services they need.
You might run out of something; something might break and someone else has the replacement parts you need. Someone in your group might be sick or injured so badly that you need someone else’s skills to help them recover.
During times like this, a sense of community is critical and simply taking what you need by force doesn’t always work. Worse still, it could cost you more in the long run than it’s worth.
In times like this, you need to understand the currency value of things like gold, silver precious metals, and other things you can barter.
Gold
Historically, gold has been a universal standard for currency, valued for its intrinsic worth. It can be a viable currency in a prolonged crisis, especially if there’s hope for recovery. However, not all gold holds the same value.
Gold-plated items and low-karat gold, like 10K to 14K, are often not worth much, especially in a barter situation. High-quality gold, such as 22K or 24K, not only holds significant value but can also be practical for tasks like repairing electronics.
The challenge lies in the average person’s lack of knowledge about the purity of gold, which can complicate negotiations.
Silver
Silver, while not as common in modern jewelry, has a historic precedent as a currency. Silver bars and bullion coins, such as the American Silver Eagle, can retain significant value.
However, the prevalence of low-quality silver and counterfeit coins can make it a less reliable currency.
Related: Why You Should Put a Silver Coin in Water
Silver’s long-term value is contingent on the restoration of normalcy in society, making it less practical in a prolonged crisis compared to other assets.
Bartering
I honestly believe in a prolonged SHTF scenario that bartering will be the best everyday equivalent of currency. Yet this is the sort of thing that requires a deft hand when negotiating. With every transaction you make, you have to consider that there’s also relationship value being built.
If you rake someone over the coals in one barter, they’ll likely want more from you the next time you barter for something you need. In a like-minded community, village, or banded-together neighborhood, you could end up with a bad reputation.
The currency value of specialty items like radios, solar panels and generator parts is going to fluctuate depending on the local need and supply. However, there are some common bartering items that pretty much everyone will need. Thus, making them more like traditional currency.
Antibiotics
Once people realize the danger of infections in a SHTF world, antibiotics will take on a high barter value. However, stability is key, as some antibiotics are only viable for a short time without refrigeration, or you need to source them as a rehydrating powder or pill form to trust their effectiveness.
Consider stocking up on commonly used antibiotics, such as amoxicillin or ciprofloxacin, to meet the needs of your community during challenging times. Since antibiotics are typically not available over the counter, here is an ingenious way to stockpile antibiotics without a prescription, before it’s too late.
Non-Perishable Food & MREs
When bartering as a form of currency you can rest assured that everyone in a SHTF situation will see food as being valuable. Canned foods are going to be the new coins in this sort or currency system. A multi-person MRE with something tasty, like dehydrated lasagna or similar comfort foods is going to be the new $20 bill of SHTF currency.
Food is universally essential, and canned goods and single-portion MREs are easy to trade. However, you’ll deplete your supplies and risk others trying to take more once they know you have food.
Chickens and Domestic Animals
The chickens, ducks, dairy goats, and pigs you raise can have currency-like value in a SHTF world. Especially, if you’re breeding them to be able to sell to other people who are struggling with their own food sustainability.
Even cats and dogs will have value in a prolonged SHTF situation. Barn cat kittens will always be in demand in rural areas. The puppies of sporting breed dogs like labs, golden retrievers, and hounds will have enormous value in areas where small game is plentiful.
Ammunition & Firearms
Guns and popular types of ammunition are always going to carry a currency-like value when SHTF. Unprepared people without any firearms of their own will likely trade away a lot for even a basic gun like a 22 or a .410 shotgun.
Even people who are well-stocked, but don’t have the means to make their own rounds or shells will also see ammo as being barter-worthy.
The best currency value ammo is going to be things like 9mm, .223/5.56mm,.22 LR, .45 ACP, and 12-gauge shotgun shells.
Of course, the problem with bartering guns and ammo to other people is that now you’re arming them. Thus, increasing their ability to later take from you, and increasing their temptation to do so.
While ammunition and firearms hold significant value, they also come with risks, particularly the potential for conflict or theft. This is where knowledge becomes invaluable. Understanding how to protect your assets and loved ones in such unpredictable times is crucial.
That’s why I recommend the Special Forces Home Defense Academy. It’s more than just basic security; it’s about mastering advanced techniques to safeguard your home and family, taught by the seasoned Green Beret Terry Schappert.
The academy offers practical advice on everything from setting up discreet traps to reinforcing your property with everyday materials. As you consider your options for staying safe and well-prepared, this comprehensive guide could be the crucial element that ensures your readiness in the most challenging situations.
Fuel
Gasoline and diesel fuel will be treated like currency in the early days of a catastrophe. People will need it to run generators, vehicles, and equipment. Unfortunately, without stabilizer additives, these fuels will start to break down after a few months.
However, once someone has been disgruntled by bartering for degraded fuel, they likely won’t trust fuel for trade again in the future.
Fresh Meat
Fresh meat will become a form of barter currency that will have an impressively high value in a SHTF world. Historically, pioneers traded valuable items for fresh meat.
If you’re a proficient hunter or farmer, you could be sitting on a gold mine, especially if you have some way to maintain proper cold storage.
But what happens if the power goes out and you’re left with a freezer full of food? Learn here how what to do with all the frozen food once the power goes out and how to live without refrigeration.
The other advantage of fresh meat as currency is that you can barter with it, and it’s not taking away from your non-perishable stocks.
Skills & Labor
The concept of “Will Work for Food” or anything else of tangible value will also be a very popular means of exchange when SHTF. There are going to be special events and one-off tasks that people will need done. These are too hard to predict when it comes to their negotiable currency value. Yet some skills and labor jobs will be in high demand.
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“Blacksmiths can barter their metalworking skills”
Once long ago there was king. He decreed one day that a banquet would be held for the most important craftsman in his realm. He and his advisors poured over all, the painter, the artist, the carpenter, the mason. After a few days they said that the tailor was the most important craftsman. Making not only cloths but flags and sails for ships. So a banquet was held. All the craftsmen of the village gathered dressed in their finest to honor the tailor, but 1. The blacksmith. After a while the blacksmith arrived, dirty shirt and pants, and a bit of coal smudge on his cheek. The king asked why he was late and why he was in his dirty work clothes. The blacksmith said that he lost track of time. When asked why he said that today i had to make 100 nails and 20 nuts and bolts for the carpenter, i had to sharpen the wood cutters ax, then repair another, the mason need a new trowel, and i just finished the tailors new scissors. Upon hearing that the king declared the blacksmith the most important craftsman. The tailor being jealous cut 3 slits in the bottom of the blacksmiths apron and to this day a blacksmiths apron has 3 slits.
Sharpening is an art that will be valued in the coming years as the craft is hard to find. Many people think they know what they are doing is a skill, many have ruined lots of knives in the wake of the learning curve.
All skills and trades are valuable in any era, including the famous SHTF terror.
Dub a dub dub, dub a dub dub, three Maids in a Tub, three Maids in a Tub, and who do you think was there, there, the Butcher, the Baker, the Candlestick Maker, the Butcher the Baker the Candlestick Maker, and all all all all all of them gone to the fair. The Butcher, the Baker, the Candlestick Maker, the Butcher the Baker the Candlestick Maker, and all of them gone to the Fair.
Blacksmiths are a great skill to have, who is more valuable depends on our needs at that time.
Fuel definitely in the first 90 days but anything that will generate electricity (solar panels/generators, wind turbines, steam/water turbines), and the skills to install will be in high demand. Seeds, first aid items, fishing gear, plywood, batteries in the long term. You also have to account for human nature too, alcohol/cigarettes/drugs, chocolate/coffee, toilet paper and baby items might not be absolutely needed for survival but would be valuable to many people.
Did the PM give back the bank accounts to those truckers of the convoy strike?
TP is something many people will be without and not many know what use as an alternative.
You forgot about tobacco and liquor! Two great barter commodities.
Bartering will be a long term form of currency, as gold and silver will not be as valuable in long term until the economy comes back. You can’t eat gold, you can with seeds.
Cautions,
Firearms and ammo will be a touchy issue as these can be used against us to plunder our preps asap or down the road, bad idea for most people.
Alcohol, weed and liquor inside some people turn them into animals to rape and pillage. That is where guns and ammo come into the picture to eliminate the potential of harm.
That stuff fogs the mind to a point of nonviolent people doing dumb regrettable actions that require permanent tough love.
Let’s knot forget the FISHERMEN…they are the third oldest profession …. And you know who the other two are 🙂
I always thought the oldest professions were the hooker, lawyer, preacher and politician. And later on the moonshiner who gave birth to NASCAR. Just a little humor.
Highly unlikely I will give ammo or guns to potential adversaries.
Thinking most of us will end as sharecroppers, most of history we see a small landowning class with everybody else a tenant farmer or slave. Kinda the way things are already.
A vote for VP Harris who is not a real black and whose family were slave owners will turn America into poor sharecroppers and you will own nothing.
This has nothing to do with the article.
As you prepare , you will be having thought s of what did i miss , what did I forget but reality is , what ever someone needs , this will be tradeable . easy taken or stolen
only what you keep in your background of training will be usefull
Skills, Training, common sense , and ability to think, read the oponent or other person
and what you bring to the table
assuming most are still decent people
criminals, thieves, evil can never be dealt with unless your on top of your game , prepared
self defense, martial arts , and practiced arms training
it is not what you have or what you trade , but how you use it
priority :
Food , Clothing , Shelter
Arms , goods , weapons
and always remember YOU MUST HAVE a circle of trust with in reach
someone who will at all cost be on the same page, thinking, values
at the rate the politicians are destroying your countries , and deluding the languages, and setting up socialism , hiearchy of force and control , you will have to comply or die
but you will always be given a choice
give over , let them have it all , take what you have or you will not be alive
not fear , but reality so as a man thinks he is , and you are the company you keep
God will Take away those who love Him, Trust Him , Obey him , follow Him
Jesus Christ the way , the truth , the life John 14:6 all will give accounting for thier actions and judged acording to thier relationship with The Savior , payment for sin , Blood of the lamb , sacrafice for your sin , and put in place of you for the payment
read : John , Romans , 1corinthinans , 2 corinthinans God is Fully aware of what happens in the world
All have been Called to salvation : but few were chosen out of a fallen world to follow him.
KNOWLEDGE and SKILLS will always Trump (no pun intended) “things”. Not only are they valuable ‘possessions’, but their possessor will be respected and well regarded in his community. These traits will be double valued if its possessor has the ability to ‘teach’.
TODAY you can increase your value to society by acquiring knowledge and skills in various areas. Knowledge occupies no space and is weightless, it won’t be a burden to carry it. In today’s world, (with you tube, etc.) it is nearly costless. If you’re not prepared for the time when the SHTF or TEOTWAWKI, you should not expect the sympathy of those who did. You have been warned.
A Scout
Her father was a black Jamaican man. How is she not black? What a crazy remark!
Her mother was a middle eastern.
She is not African American is what people should be saying! Her mother is from India, her father is from Jamaica, and her grandfather owned slaves. She’s as phony as they come!!
What the issue is is that when she ran for DA and when she ran for Congress that she pushed hat Indian heritage. Now it is advantageous to her to push her black heritage. It is not WHO she is, black or Indian, it’s what she is.
Can we all agree that what she is, is a phony America destroying hyena?!?
Father doesn’t identify black Jamaican…he identifies as Caucasian on her birth certificate. He says he is half Indian. Mom is full Indian
Do you know many Jamaicans? Ask a Jamaican if he’s black and he might be nice enough not to punch you in the face and besides that her father’s family were both slave owners and slave traders. She always considered herself Indian not black. It’s ridiculous how they spin things for their agenda and so many fall for it! Btw her father is a professor of Marxism! He’s a communist! And her mother and father got divorced when she was 5 and her mom got a job in Montreal as a breast cancer specialist. She (Kamala) only came back to go to Howard University. Then at 30 she met Slick Willy who at the time was married and 60 years old. They had an affair and he got her into the DAs office in San Francisco. She threw many black drug users into jail. Kept them in jail over their time for slave labor for the state.
IMHO, 90% (pre-1964 dimes, quarters, half, and whole dollar coins) silver coins will be the easiiest monetary equivalent for all sorts of transactions. For starters there’s very little math required, making for an easier learning curve. Secondly, the actual spot values for precious metals will be quite “flexible” even unknown, until things tend to settle down, communications and markets are reset. Initially, there will of course be massive fraud, disagreements, and outright fighting over the actual values of all sorts of services and supplies amongst the feudal groups/camps/tribes. An ounce of gold or silver will be worth whatever the market will bear; and there wil be a plethora of markets, and the resulting confusion. Today, a dollars worth of 90% silver (face value 4 qtrs, 10 dimes…) is roughly equivalent to an ounce of siver, depending on numerous market factors. Just a thought. Ocams razor theory will be in effect.
If you have a copper still, maple trees or honey bees, and canning jars, you’ll have a barter machine like no other.
Corn, malt sugar.
As a share cropper, squash, corn, beans like the meso americans..
Just send all that worthless 10K and 14K gold my way! I’ll take it off your hands. : )
The best barter items to have depend on the kind of “clientele” you desire to trade with. I don’t expect to get rich by bartering, although it could happen. I do not want to barter with someone that desires guns, alcohol, or drugs, because they probably are not going to survive on their own and will take from others when bartering breaks down. Tools (gardening and carpentry), fishing supplies, medical needs (not drugs), and maybe even some food will be what I will consider trading for stuff I may need, but I do not plan on being the one initiating the trade.
An old bicycle, wagon, and sturdy rope are also in my “will barter away” stash.
Like others here, I don’t want to be a victim in a barter gone wrong. I want to help my fellow man, but I don’t want to my fellow man to mistake my kindness for weakness or stupidity.
I don’t see how gold or silver will work as currency , whose scale is to be trusted ? what is purity of silver or gold ? who is going to be judge of these things ? where are these trade centers going to come from ? We are just not set up for this kind of economy anymore .Sounds good if you say it real fast but when you stop and think about not so much.
Do not trade ammunition or arms to people outside your immediate community.
GREAT INFO
WE NEED THIS WEB SITE,
IF HARISS WOULD BE PRESIDENT.
WILL HAVE TO USE ALL ARE SKILL WE HAVE IN THE TOOL BOX.
AND LOAD YOUR GUNS , YOUR GOING TO NEED THEM.
LAST BUT NOT LEAST.
(KEEP THE POWDER DRY)SHE CAN BE YOUR PRESIDENT,
THOSE WHO THINKS SHE IS LOVLEY,
I NEVER ACCEPTED BIDEN AS MY PRESIDENT,
TRUMP WAS RIGHT,
He REALLY FXXXX UP OUR COUNTRY.
TRUMP SAID HE WOULD,
i JUST DO,NT GET THAT, HE DID GOOD FOR OUR COUNTRY.
CAN SOME GIVE ME A LIST ON THAT SUBJECT.