Economics of Eíre

Basic Information

The basic monetary unit is a one-ounce silver coin, minted in various kingdoms according to ancient standards and practices. Each of the kingdoms honors the silver of the other kingdoms. Silver pieces minted in Ulaidh are honored in Midhe, and vice versa. An ancient treaty governs the recognition and exchange of currency between kingdoms. All silver coins are stamped and expected to be traded whole (i.e. no bits or halves).

Copper coins are used in small transactions, such a buying a pint of ale or a small meal. Most coppers are not stamped and are sometimes traded in bits or halves.

Gold is of course more valuable than silver or copper, and more rare. Gold coins are most often found in bits and halves, though wealthy travelers or recently paid adventurers might have whole coins. While most gold coins begin their lives stamped with the visage of some king or baron, these images are soon lost as the soft metal changes hands and is inevitably broken into smaller pieces. Anyone may mint gold coins, as anyone who has enough gold to waste on coin-making is generally free to do whatever he pleases.

Exchange Rate

In general, 1 silver piece (1 SP, or $1) is worth 100 copper pieces (100 CP, or 100¢), while $100 amounts to 1 gold piece (1£).

Other Objects of Value

Though they are not valued publicly by market, precious stones are commonly used throughout the lands of Eire as currency in transactions. The value of a stone will vary from appraiser to appraiser, making it impossible to predict what a particular gem might fetch upon sale.