But why start at 1 cent? The value of investment property in just the leading economy at that time - the Roman empire - in real term was certainly more than $1million (In fact Caesar's net worth was said to be hundreds times that. So even if 1-tenth was committed to investment and keeps growing at 1% real, it would be way more than anything the world has now. Remember I assume 1% real rate of return (not with inflation).1% is too low, the number you wanted was 2%
1 cent invested at 1% for 2018 years is just $5million.
But 1 cent invested at 2% for 2018 years is more money than there is in the world today.
As for the papacy (one person mentioned earlier) growing that much - well you will have to say what they started with - nothing? I dont think so, all that confiscation and confession money I would say is capital injection.