The economy plays a big roll in the value of money. Inflation and deflation are results of the job market, stability of a government, the amount of money in the market, etc. There are many factors that affect appreciation and depreciation. Take for instance Germany in the early 20th century. Their money depreciated so fast that by the time the got their paycheck it was worth less than the amount written, which was followed by a collapse in their political system, leading to the rise in the Nazi party. They used their money to paper their walls becuase it was so worthless. To buy a loaf of bread they needed to bring a wheelbarrow of money to get it.