Commodity money is a form of currency that has value as a commodity itself. Unlike fiat money, which derives its value from government regulation and trust, commodity money is based on tangible goods such as gold, silver, or other precious metals. Historically, various forms of commodity money have been used across different cultures, including cattle, grains, and shells. The primary advantage of commodity money is its inherent value, which can provide a safeguard against inflation and economic instability, although it can also lead to challenges in terms of portability and divisibility.