Imagine walking into Starbucks and pulling out a foot-long bronze knife to pay for your latte. In ancient China, particularly during the Warring States period (475–221 BCE), this wasn't a robbery—it was just Tuesday.

In the states of Qi, Yan, and Zhao. Knife Money, shaped like actual stabbing implements minus the sharp edges, began when Duke Huan of Qi snapped off his ceremonial knife to give to a peasant in need, turning the knife into a symbol of value and generosity.

Each piece came complete with a ring or hole at the end for stringing together, and many carried characters indicating their place of origin, denominations, or even good luck charms. Eventually, the practice died out—probably because everyone got tired of their money literally putting holes in their pockets.