Pecunia non olet
A Latin saying about money's value regardless of its origin.
Pecunia non olet is a Latin saying meaning 'money does not stink,' attributed to the Roman emperor Vespasian (ruled AD 69–79). The phrase originated from his response to complaints about a tax on urine, which was used in the Roman chemical industry. The tax, first imposed by Nero as vectigal urinae, was re-enacted by Vespasian around 70 AD to fill the treasury.
Quick Facts
- Translation
- money does not stink
- Attributed to
- Emperor Vespasian
- Vespasian's reign
- AD 69–79
- Tax name
- vectigal urinae
- First imposed by
- Emperor Nero
- Tax re-enacted
- around 70 AD
Facts from the source article.
More in Economy of Ancient Rome
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