Tulip bulbs were once exchanged as a form of currency during the 17th century in the Netherlands. At that time, tulips were highly prized for their unique color patterns and considered a luxury item. As demand increased, the price of tulip bulbs skyrocketed, leading to a speculative bubble in the market. Eventually, the bubble burst, leaving many investors bankrupt and causing significant economic damage to the country. Today, tulip bulbs are still highly valued and continue to be traded as a commodity.