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19 SHTF Currency Options More Valuable Than Gold

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“You can’t bring it with you” is a typical response to people who are afraid to spend their money.

If you’re someone who takes emergency preparedness seriously, you might also add, “You never know when it won’t be worth anything.”

When things go south, more practical means of exchange will replace fiat money.

Here are nineteen SHTF currency options to keep in mind for a post-crisis world.

19 Tradable Items That Beat Gold as Currency in a Crisis

1. Heirloom Seeds

Heirloom Seeds

Unlike hybrid seeds, which are often sterile or require specific conditions to thrive, heirloom seeds are open-pollinated and can be saved and replanted year after year.

This makes them not only a critical resource for growing food but also a form of long-term security in a world where food supplies may be unreliable or non-existent.

It makes sense, then, that something like that would quickly become a currency option more valuable than gold for trading and bartering.

The ability to grow food over the long term is one of the keys to self-sufficiency and is worth paying a lot for.

2. Electrical Wire

Electrical Wire

With the collapse of modern infrastructure, people will likely try to salvage and repair any functional electronics they have left, whether it’s for communication, tools, or other essential devices.

This would, of course, make wire – whether copper, aluminum or any specialized wire used in electronics – a crucial barter item.

You can use wire to repair circuits, power small devices, or create makeshift connections in an improvised electrical system.

Again, something most people will find highly valuable in a SHTF scenario.

3. Water Purification Tablets

Brown, Cloudy and Clean Water Samples

Clean water is non-negotiable for your survival, and in the aftermath of a crisis, it could become more valuable than gold.

Access to potable water might become scarce, so items that help provide clean water – like water purification tablets or filters – will be critical.

I’ve lived in water-stressed areas, where municipalities regularly shut the water supply off during night-time hours, and if you forget to fill your water glass before heading to bed, that’s it, no water until the morning.

Now, imagine it never comes back on.

4. Medical Supplies

Medical Supplies

In a collapse situation, healthcare and the ability to treat injuries or illnesses will be a significant concern.

Medical supplies such as bandages, antiseptics, antibiotics, painkillers and other first-aid items will be highly value in trade.

Things like antibiotics (penicillin, amoxicillin, doxycycline, etc.) and anti-parasitics could be even more valuable because they may be life-saving in some scenarios.

5. Fire-Starting Materials

Fire-Starting Materials

If you’re a fan of outdoorsmen and bushcraft experts like Ray Mears and Les Stroud, you will likely have noticed that one of the first things they do when settling into a new location in the wilderness is build a fire.

Fire is essential for warmth, cooking, signaling for help, purifying water, keeping animals at bay, and much more.

Things like lighters, matches, magnesium fire starters, or flint and steel will be worth their weight in gold when the power goes out.

6. Ammunition

Ammunition

Human beings are a social, cooperative species by evolution and I like to believe that in a post-collapse scenario, the world wouldn’t necessarily turn into The Road overnight (or perhaps even ever).

But desperate people are willing to take drastic measures (even good people), to say nothing of the legitimate sociopaths and bullies out there.

I mean, have a look at modern Port-au-Prince, Haiti, for some insight into what societal breakdown and government collapse look like.

In a lawless world, personal security will be paramount, which means ammunition for firearms will be more valuable than gold.

7. Tobacco

Barter Items (Alcohol, Tobacco, Coffee)

Tobacco, both in the form of cigarettes and loose leaf, has historically been used as a currency in crisis situations. At least in U.S. prisons, cigarettes are the standard form of currency.

In a post-collapse world, the addictive properties of tobacco will make it a highly valued item.

Whether for personal use or as a trade commodity, tobacco will be sought after for its calming effects and for the enjoyment it provides to those in stressful, survival situations.

8. Solar-Powered Devices

Solar-Powered Devices

Solar-powered devices, such as chargers, radios, lights, power stations and battery banks, will be essential when the grid goes down.

Having a way to power electronics will become a luxury, and solar-powered tools will be highly valuable for people who need to maintain some form of communication or lighting.

In the absence of electricity, solar power offers a sustainable and renewable energy source, making solar-powered devices an essential barter item.

9. Fishing Gear

Fishing Gear

In a post-collapse scenario, where food becomes one of the most critical resources for survival, fishing gear will be invaluable.

Rods, hooks, fishing line, and even nets allow you to catch fish from rivers, lakes and oceans, providing a reliable and renewable source of protein.

10. Toilet Paper and Hygiene Products

Toilet Paper

Basic hygiene will become a primary concern when traditional infrastructure collapses.

Toilet paper, soap, toothpaste, shampoo, and other hygiene products will be in high demand as people try to maintain cleanliness and prevent disease.

These simple but essential items will be incredibly valuable in a survival situation, especially when people begin to realize how quickly basic hygiene can slip in a crisis, leading to widespread illness.

11. Clothing and Footwear (Durable, Weather-Appropriate)

Warmest Winter Boots for Men and Women

Clothing and footwear will be essential in keeping people protected from the elements.

Durable, weather-appropriate gear, such as boots, jackets, gloves and thermal wear, will become highly sought after as people need to stay warm and dry.

12. Batteries

Batteries

Batteries are essential for powering everything from flashlights to radios to communication devices.

In a world without reliable electricity, batteries will be a lifeline.

Whether rechargeable or single-use, having batteries on hand will be highly sought after for those trying to keep their devices running.

Batteries for essential equipment, like medical devices or two-way radios, will become especially valuable and a go-to item for bartering.

13. Fuel (Gasoline, Diesel, Propane)

Fuel (Gasoline, Diesel, Propane)

When fuel supplies run dry, access to gasoline, diesel, and propane will become increasingly important.

Fuel will be necessary for transportation, generators, and cooking, making it one of the most valuable forms of currency.

If you’ve managed to stockpile fuel, you’ll be able to barter it for food, medical supplies, or any other essentials.

14. Tools (Hand Tools, Multi-tools, Knives)

Tools (Hand Tools, Multi-tools, Knives)

People are going to need tools when SHTF. They will be crucial for building shelter, hunting, foraging, and maintaining basic survival.

Multi-tools, knives, hammers, axes, and other hand tools will be highly valuable because they will enable people to do everything from constructing shelter to repairing equipment.

15. Firearms and Weaponry

Firearms and Weaponry

As with ammunition, firearms and weapons will be critical in a society where law and order break down. Firearms are essential for self-defense, hunting and providing security.

As a result, they will be highly valuable for trade in a world without functioning legal systems.

A gun and the ability to defend oneself and one’s property that it confers could easily be traded for something like life-saving medication, a solar generator, or perhaps even a vehicle.

16. Books and Knowledge (Survival Guides, Medical Texts)

Books and Knowledge (Survival Guides, Medical Texts)

Books will hold significant value when traditional education and knowledge-sharing systems collapse.

There is a reason humanity is already hedging its bets and protecting our most vital information.

Guides on survival, farming, first aid, and mechanics will be particularly valuable.

People will rely on these books to learn skills that will be essential for their survival.

A well-stocked library of practical knowledge could become one of the most important barter items, as it could mean the difference between life and death for many.

17. Salt

Reasons to Stockpile Salt Before the SHTF

Salt is another one of those things whose value will skyrocket in a SHTF scenario.

Historically, salt has been an essential commodity in food preservation, seasoning, and even for medical purposes, and will continue to be so in a crisis. 

In a post-collapse world where refrigeration may not be available, the ability to preserve food will be critical, making salt a highly valuable trade item.

It’s lightweight, won’t spoil and is easily stored. 

18. Bicycles and Bicycle Parts

Bicycles and Bicycle Parts

In a world where fuel and automobiles may be scarce, bicycles could become one of the most valuable means of transportation, especially in urban environments.

Not only do bicycles allow for quick movement, but they can also be repaired and maintained with basic tools.

They also allow you to harness human kinetic power for things like powering DIY washing machines and even generators.

19. Animal Products (Leather, Wool, Hides)

Tanning Hides

Animal products like leather, wool and hides will become highly valued for making clothing, shelter materials, and tools in a post SHTF scenario.

Leather, in particular, is durable and can be used for making shoes, bags, or protective gear and wool can be used to create warm clothing.

Hides can be repurposed into a variety of functional items , including ropes and straps, tools and weapon sheaths, and even shelter.

19 SHTF Currency Options More Valuable Than Gold
Simon Cuthbert

Simon Cuthbert

I am a passionate gardener and outdoor enthusiast who has been working on building food security through gardening since 2017. My 6 acre homestead encompasses well over 100 different fruit and nut trees. I also keep an extensive vegetable garden that keeps the freeze dryer and dehydrator running almost constantly. When not in the garden or the kitchen preserving the harvest, you will find me hanging out with my German Shepherd.