2000 BC

PEPPERCORNS

INDIA

First used as a spice in India, then as a form of currency, unground pepper made good currency because it retains flavour and intrinsic value for long periods of time. The term “peppercorn rent”, meaning very low rent, still exists today. Peppercorns are also known as black gold.

RESEARCH & TEXT: JOAN ANG & SIMON KOH MONEY ILLUSTRATION: RICHARD CAGOMOC