In the medieval period, currency varied widely across regions and was often based on precious metals like silver and gold. Common forms of currency included coins, which were minted by local authorities and featured images of rulers or symbols of the region. The value of these coins depended on their metal content and the trust in the issuing authority. Bartering was also prevalent, especially in rural areas where people exchanged goods and services directly. In addition to coins, items like salt, grain, and livestock sometimes served as informal currency. This system allowed communities to trade effectively, even without standardized money.