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Does anyone know where it says that in the times before moshiach, it will cost a barrel of money to buy a loaf of bread? I remember hearing that, but can't find the source.

The reason I ask that is because I just read this quote from John Stossel, a libertarian journalist:

John Stossel
The dollar has lost 96% of its value since #TheFed was created. By printing so much money, the Fed risks vicious inflation. So far, inflation has been mild, but when inflation increases, it happens quickly. I fear that soon, if we want to buy a loaf of bread, we’ll have to carry a wheelbarrow full of cash to the grocery store. STOSSEL tonight at 9PM on Fox Business.

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As far as I know, there is no such reference in Jewish sources.

But there is a source in Christian literature, in the New Testament.

Revelation 6:6

And I heard a voice from among them say, "A loaf of wheat bread will cost a day's pay..."

The context of this quote is the Apocalypse (aka End of Days).

As mentioned by @Fred, this actually happened in Germany in the years leading to WW2.

wheel barrow of money

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  • you make a barrel of money every day?
    – ray
    Apr 30, 2014 at 18:17
  • In pennies? Sure,
    – Shmuel
    Apr 30, 2014 at 19:29
  • Also, the quote in the question says wheel barrow, not barrel.
    – Shmuel
    Apr 30, 2014 at 19:42
  • On a Judaism Q&A site, shouldn't this answer be at most a comment (as one reference it brings is from Christian scripture, and the other from general history)?
    – Tamir Evan
    Jul 2, 2021 at 13:40
  • @TamirEvan Edited per your comment
    – Shmuel
    Oct 7, 2021 at 15:43
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The Gemara in Sotah (49b) says the price of wine will increase, but as far as I know it doesn't say the same about bread.

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