[bamahead]

Large containers of whole black pepper corns.

In ancient Rome, peppercorns were traded like currency. You might be onto something :)

[djf]

I also have four or five of the large bricks (ten bars each) of soap.

If somebody wants to give me five gallons of gas for a bar of soap so they can have a bath, I’m game.

You are quite right. Think barter.

[newhouse]

peppercorns traded like currency

It is suggested one store a reasoonable amount of salt whether you use much or not. Alot of people do not. But others do, and it is good traading stock.