Money in Mesoamerica is the term used to refer to the various mediums of exchange used by the civilizations of Central and South America in the Pre-Columbian Era Before the introduction of the Spanish currency and goods, Mesoamerican empires of the Aztecs, the Mayans, and the Incas used advanced systems of payments utilizing metals such as gold, copper and silver, ornaments and other forms of currency.
The first known monetary system of Mesoamerica dates back to 600 BC when the Olmecs became the first people to develop a currency. The most common form of currency was an exchangeable form of goods and commodities such as cocoa beans, corn, jade, jewelry, and textiles. These were used for bartering within their societies and for trading with other societies.
The Aztecs had a system of money known as tlaco, which was made from pieces of gold or silver. They also developed a standardized system of money called the ‘cacao money’, which was made from cacao beans. These beans were the most common currency and were used in trade within the Aztec Empire. The Aztecs also used other forms of currency such as cotton and paper money.
The Mayans used a system of money based on commodity goods and wealth. They used a variety of currency such as cacao, jade, and other forms of currency such as grains, cotton and textiles. They also developed a system of bartering which was known as ‘pax’ which allowed them to exchange goods and services without the need for currency.
The Incas developed a system of currency based on gold and silver called ‘quipu’. This was the main form of currency used within the empire and was used in trade and bartering. They also had several other forms of currency such as coca leaves, textiles, and cotton.
These are the five best examples of Money in Mesoamerica:
1. The Olmecs: The first people to develop a currency in Mesoamerica; their currency was mostly exchangeable goods and commodities.
2. The Aztecs: They had a system of money known as tlaco, which was made from pieces of gold or silver, and also developed a standardized system of money called the ‘cacao money’.
3. The Mayans: They used a variety of currency such as cacao, jade, and other forms of currency such as grains, cotton and textiles. They also developed a system of bartering which was known as ‘pax’.
4. The Incas: Their main form of currency was ‘quipu’, based on gold and silver. They also had several other forms of currency such as coca leaves, textiles, and cotton.
5. The Mixtecs: They developed a type of currency called the ‘tuxam’, which was made from jade, gold and silver. They also had a separate type of currency which was used during trade and exchange.