White Gold: 12 cents/lb

Today I bought almost 2lbs of salt for 22 cents. That's 2 entire pounds of brand name Morton salt... for less than a quarter (regular price) -- and thats after packaging and advertising. Wow. This stuff used to be money. I was so surprised by the price that I wanted to buy lots -- What if we have a national salt shortage and the prices shoot up like gasoline? I could make millions!

A few facts about Salt:

Salt's preservative ability was a foundation of civilization. It eliminated dependency on the seasonal availability of food, allowed travel over long distances, and was a vital food additive.

Until the 1900s, salt was one of the prime movers of national economies and wars.

Merchants in 12th century valued salt enough to buy it for its weight in gold

Two uses for a time machine:

Taking conveniently packaged 1lb containers and large bags of Mortons salt to the past to trade for gold.

Going back in time to buy cheap gasoline and sell it at a premium to todays busy travelers... for exactly 5 cents less than the next cheapest gas station.