I have seen a number of explanations of coin values relative to various
denominations. For example, in the
Sear books and in a few articles. But, that doesn't tell me what I really want to know and that is what would one of these coins buy? Any coin. There are some studies that get at it in terms of wages and
buying power and I know this changes over time, inflation, etc. But, in 550 BC, how did someone buy a loaf of bread or lodging, including a meal and drink? I don't think things like this would require an
electrum coin. I may be totally wrong. My guess is that in the early days, common people used no coins. They may have been paid in kind. They paid in crop shares, etc. They may barter some, but that has limitations. You can't carry chickens around to pay for things. Or trade all your stuff away. Prior to widespread use of
money, things
had to be run on a different level for the common person as well as soldiers. You only have so many opportunities to pillage. The small purchases are what fascinates me. How did one get a loaf of bread?
Virgil