Editing Currency

{{Item
| image         = [[File:Currency-5e.jpg|250px]]
| caption       = From top to bottom: [[copper]], [[silver]], [[gold]], [[electrum]], and [[platinum]] pieces.
| name          = Currency
| othernames    = 
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| value1e       = {{Currency table|1 platinum|1 [[pp]]|5 [[gp]]|10 [[ep]]|100 [[sp]]|1000 [[cp]]}}
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| refs1e        = <ref name="CotR-9" />
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| value2e       = {{Currency table|1 platinum|1 pp|5 gp|10 ep|50 sp|500 cp}}
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| refs2e        = <ref name="PH2ed-66">{{Cite book/Player's Handbook 2nd edition|66}}</ref><ref name="FRCS2e-p26-27">{{Cite book/Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting 2nd edition (revised)|26-27}}</ref><ref name="FRA-129">{{Cite book/Forgotten Realms Adventures|129-130}}</ref>
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| value3e       = {{Currency table|1 platinum|1 pp|10 gp|100 sp|1000 cp}}
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| level4e       = 
| value4e       = {{Currency table|1 platinum|1 pp|10 gp|100 sp|1000 cp}}
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| refs4e        = <ref name="FRCG4e-p45">{{Cite book/Forgotten Realms Campaign Guide|45}}</ref>
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| value5e       = {{Currency table|1 platinum|1 pp|10 gp|20 ep|100 sp|1000 cp}}
| weight5e      = 
| refs5e        = <ref name="SCAG5e-p13">{{Cite book/Sword Coast Adventurer's Guide|13}}</ref><ref name=PHB5e-p143>{{Cite book/Player's Handbook 5th edition|143}}</ref>
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'''Currency''' referred to the practice of using items with a somewhat universal value, namely precious [[metal]]s, [[gem]]s, and some minerals to determine wealth and in trade for goods and services. The most common forms of currency in everyday transactions among sentient beings of the [[Forgotten Realms|Realms]] were coins (or "pieces"). Usually, most coins were made of [[gold]], [[silver]], and [[copper]]. Less frequently, coins made of [[platinum]], [[electrum]], and even [[iron]] were also found. In all cases, the standard for measuring wealth was the gold piece, even if neither gold or coins were involved in a transaction.<ref name="PHB5e-p143">{{Cite book/Player's Handbook 5th edition|143}}</ref><ref name="SCAG5e-p13" />

A standard gold piece (gp) weighed 0.32 oz (9.07 g), so that 1 lb (454 g) of gold was worth 50 gp.<ref name="PHB5e-p143" />

The penalty for counterfeiting was death in most places, since cities, kingdoms, and nations relied on the acceptance and trust of their currency.<ref name="CotR-9">{{Cite book/Forgotten Realms Campaign Set/Cyclopedia of the Realms|9}}</ref>

When large sums were involved, it was common for traders to use [[trade bar]]s, which were valued by weight, instead of coins.<ref name="DMG5e-p19-20">{{Cite book/Dungeon Master's Guide 5th edition|19-20}}</ref>

==Standard Exchange Rates==
The everyday currency of the [[Realms]] consisted mainly of coins and [[trade bar]]s. With few exceptions, the standard currency adopted throughout the Realms made use of [[platinum]], [[gold]], [[electrum]], [[silver]], and [[copper]] pieces of equal value, so they could be used interchangeably across different regions, as well as trade bars of standardized weights with fixed conversion rates.<ref name="DMG5e-p19-20" /><ref name="FRCG4e-p45" />

The exchange rates between coins of different materials has changed through history, but their relative value across regions remained mostly unaltered.<ref name="CotR-9">{{Cite book/Forgotten Realms Campaign Set/Cyclopedia of the Realms|9}}</ref>

===As of [[1357 DR]]===
By the [[Year of the Prince]], standard exchange rates were the following:<ref name="CotR-9" /><ref group="note">The year [[1357 DR]] corresponds to the "present" in p. 6 of the 1st-edition ''[[Forgotten Realms Campaign Set]]''.</ref>

{{Currency table|1 platinum piece|1 [[platinum]] |5 [[gold]]|10 [[electrum]]|100 [[silver]] |1000 [[copper]]}}

In that time period, silver and electrum trade bars were available in 10, 25 and 50 gp denominations.<ref name="CotR-9" />

===As of [[1367 DR]]===
During the [[Time of Troubles]], platinum and gold (and consequently electrum) saw an increase in value with respect to other metals. Around this time, standard exchange rates across the Realms were:<ref name="PH2ed-66">{{Cite book/Player's Handbook 2nd edition|66}}</ref><ref name="FRCS2e-p26-27">{{Cite book/Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting 2nd edition (revised)|26-27}}</ref><ref name="FRA-129">{{Cite book/Forgotten Realms Adventures|129-130}}</ref><ref group="note">The year [[1367 DR]] corresponds to the "present" in p. 23 of the ''[[Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting 2nd edition (revised)]]''.</ref>

{{Currency table|1 platinum piece|1 platinum |5 gold|10 electrum|50 silver |500 copper}}

[[Platinum]] coins were called tricrowns, plats, or pearls (in particular the Southern versions, which were officially named roldons).<ref name="FRA-129" />

In this time period, silver and electrum trade bars in the 10, 25 and 50 gp denominations were still available, as well as bars valued in 500 and 1,000 gp. Trade bars from merchants were thin silver bars marked at one end with the value, and the other end had the symbol of the trading institution or coster which created it. An increasing number of these bars bore the mint mark of [[Baldur's Gate]].<ref name="FRA-129" /> Trade bars were always checked by weight.<ref name="FRCS2e-p26-27" />

Trade bars of the [[Iron Throne]] trading group were not honored by other trading organizations because this group was considered disreputable. Broken trade bars had no value, but most merchants would continue to honor the trade bars of defunct institutions.<ref name="FRA-129" />

===As of [[1372 DR]]===
By the [[Year of Wild Magic]], the value of platinum increased and electrum pieces fell in disuse, no longer being commonly found as much as other coins. Around this time, standard exchange rates across the Realms were:<ref name="FRCS3e-p91">{{Cite book/Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting 3rd edition|91}}</ref><ref name="PHB3e-p96">{{Cite book/Player's Handbook 3rd edition|96}}</ref><ref name="PHB|112">{{Cite book/Player's Handbook v.3.5|112}}</ref><ref group="note">The year [[1372 DR]] corresponds to the "present" in p. 78 of the ''[[Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting 3rd edition]]''. The 3.5-edition ''[[Player's Guide to Faerûn]]'' fixes the present date at [[1373 DR]] in p. 166.</ref>

{{Currency table|1 platinum piece|1 platinum |10 gold|100 silver |1000 copper}}

During this period, [[Baldur's Gate]] had consolidated the trade bar standards. This time period also saw the appearance of trade bars made of several different metals, including gold (although those were still rare at the time) and [[iron]] (although its value was not standardized outside of [[Mirabar]]). Trade bars were most commonly found in 1, 2, 5, and 10 lb weights (0.45, 0.91, 2.27, and 4.54 kg, respectively). Standard values were the following: a 1-lb silver bar was worth 5 gp and a 1-lb gold bar was worth 50 gp.<ref name="FRCS3e-p91" />

===As of [[1479 DR]]===
During the [[Spellplague]], the relative value of coins remained unchanged. Around this time, standard exchange rates across the Realms were:<ref name="FRCG4e-p45">{{Cite book/Forgotten Realms Campaign Guide|45}}</ref><ref group="note">The year [[1479 DR]] is set as the "present" in p. 42 of the 4th-edition ''[[Forgotten Realms Campaign Guide]]''.</ref>

{{Currency table|1 platinum piece|1 platinum |10 gold|100 silver |1000 copper}}

During this period, trade bars made of gold became increasingly more common and supplanted silver as the weight standard for that form of currency. A one-pound gold trade bar retained its value of 50 gp.<ref name="FRCG4e-p45" />

===As of [[1489 DR]]===
After the [[Second Sundering]], electrum pieces reappeared and were once again seen in trade. The relative values of other coins had remained unchanged for over a century. Around this time, standard exchange rates across the Realms were:<ref name="SCAG5e-p13">{{Cite book/Sword Coast Adventurer's Guide|13}}</ref><ref name="PHB5e-p143" /><ref group="note">The 5th-edition ''[[Sword Coast Adventurer's Guide]]'' does not fix a particular year, but sets the "present" time in the interval between [[1489 DR]] and [[1492 DR]] in pp. 15 and 18.</ref>

{{Currency table|1 platinum piece|1 platinum|10 gold|20 electrum|100 silver|1000 copper}}

During this period, silver once again became the standard for trade bar currency. Most common trade bars of this period weighed 5 lb (2.27 kg), measuring 6×2×1 inches (15.2×5.1×2.5 cm) and valued at 25 gp.<ref name="SCAG5e-p13" /> Trade bars of other materials also existed. A gold bar weighing 1 lb (454 g) was worth 50 gp; the same weight of copper was worth 5 sp; 1 lb of silver was worth 5 gp; and a 1-lb bar of platinum was worth 500 gp.<ref name=PHB5e-p157>{{Cite book/Player's Handbook 5th edition|157}}</ref>

==Coinage Throughout the Realms==
Nearly every major city-state and nation in [[Faerûn]] had their own denominations and minted their own currency. Not all cities minted every type of coin, however.<ref name="SCAG5e-p13" />

The following sections specify the names of the most widely used and accepted currencies across [[Faerûn]] and other locations on [[Toril]]. Their exchange rates were the standard ones depending on the time period (see previous section), except where noted.

===Amn===
{{Main|Coinage in Amn}}

[[Amn]]ian-minted denominations were the following:<ref name="FRA-129" /><ref name="SCAG5e-p13" />

* platinum piece: "[[roldon]]"
* gold piece: "[[danter]]"
* electrum piece: "[[centaur (coin)|centaur]]"
* silver piece: "[[taran]]"
* copper piece: "[[fander]]"

===Calimshan===
{{Main|Coinage in Calimshan}}

[[Calimshan|Calishite]]-minted denominations were the following:<ref name="FRCS2e-p26-27" /><ref name="FRA-129" />

* platinum piece: "[[kilarche]]"
* gold piece: "[[bicenta]]"
* electrum piece: "[[centarche]]" (as of 1357 DR), "[[tazo]]" and "[[zonth]]" (as of 1367 DR)
* silver piece: "[[decarche]]" (starting from 1357 DR), "[[espedrille]]", and "[[red worm]]" (as of 1367 DR)
* copper piece: "[[unarche]]" (starting from 1357 DR), "[[rada]]", "[[niften]]", and "[[spanner]]" (as of 1367 DR)

Of particular note was the silver-piece-valued ochre-tinted red worm of [[Memnon (city)|Memnon]]. Red worms were cast from silver and then coated with a dye. Old coins with the dye worn off were called "skinned worms".<ref name="FRA-129" />

===Chessenta===
When this country was a loose confederation of city-states, most had their own currency. In the [[1399 DR|Year of the Fallen Friends, 1399 DR]], the war hero [[Ishual Karanok]] unified the currency into one set of coins:<ref name="DG178">{{Cite dungeon/178/Backdrop: Chessenta}}</ref>

{{Currency table|1 [[bebolt]]|1 "bolt"|4 [[authokh]]|20 gold "[[drake (coin)|drakes]]"|200 silver "[[talent]]s"|1000 [[bronze]] "[[bit]]s"}}

The bronze "bit" was equivalent to two copper pieces elsewhere.<ref name="DG178" />

===Cormanthyr (and Myth Drannor)===
{{Main|Coinage in Myth Drannor}}

* platinum piece: "ruendil"
* gold piece: "shilmaer"
* electrum piece: "thammarch"
* silver piece: "bedoar"
* copper piece: "thalver"

===Cormyr===
{{Main|Cormyr#Coins of Cormyr}}

Since at least 1357 DR, the royal coinage of [[Cormyr]] was stamped with a [[dragon]] on the obverse and a treasury date mark on the reverse.<ref name="CotR-9" /> By 1489 DR, this custom still endured.<ref name="DMG5e-p19-20" />

[[Cormyr]]ian-minted denominations were the following:<ref name="CotR-9" /><ref name="FRA-129" /><ref name="SCAG5e-p13" />

* platinum piece: "[[tricrown]]"
* gold piece: "[[Golden lion (coin)|lion]]"
* electrum piece: "[[blue eye]]"
* silver piece: "[[falcon (coin)|falcon]]"
* copper piece: "[[thumb]]"

Although [[gold]] coins, the most common coin used by adventurers, were often called [[Golden lion (coin)|golden lions]] throughout the Realms, only the Cormyrian coins were actually stamped with the figure of a lion.<ref name="FRA-129" />

===Lantan===
Trade bars from [[Lantan]] were flat envelope-shaped bars of worked steel marked with the great wheel of [[Gond]]. They were worth 20gp each and used primarily along the [[Sword Coast]].<ref name="FRA-129" />

===Mirabar===
Trade bars from ([[Mirabar]]) were made of black iron and shaped like rectangular spindels''(sic)''. They were worth 10gp in Mirabar and 5gp in the rest of the Realms.<ref name="FRA-129" />

===Sembia===
{{Main|Coinage in Sembia}}
[[File:Silver_piece-5e.jpg|thumb|''The Sembian silver piece was triangular-shaped.'']]
Sembia produced no platinum coins but readily accepted those of other nations. By the [[Time of Troubles]], [[Sembia]]n-minted coins were the following:<ref name="FRA-129" />

* gold piece: "[[Noble (coin)|noble]]"
* electrum piece: "[[blue eye]]"
* silver piece: "[[hawk (coin)|hawk]]" ("[[Raven (coin)|raven]]" as of 1372 DR)
* iron "[[Iron steelpence|steelpence]]", valued at 1 copper piece

Sembian silver hawks and ravens were triangular in shape and electrum blue eyes were diamond-shaped. Cormyrian falcons and Sembian hawks were used interchangeably. Sembian gold coin designs varied from year to year but were always a distinguishing five-sided shape.<ref name="FRCS2e-p26-27" /><ref name="FRA-129" />

The square-shaped steelpence was introduced by the Sembian government to replace the silver piece, but it was overproduced and its value had since dropped to 1 cp. It remained in circulation as of [[1489 DR]]. The usual foreign copper pieces were also accepted throughout the city.<ref name="FRA-129" /><ref name="FRCS3e-p91" /><ref name="SCAG5e-p13" />

By 1372 DR, Sembia no longer minted electrum blue eyes. Its characteristic triangular silver pieces were called "hawks" during this period.<ref name="FRCS3e-p91" /> After the [[Second Sundering]], Sembia resumed minting blue eyes and calling their triangular silver pieces "hawks".<ref name="SCAG5e-p13" />

[[Trade bar]]s from Sembia were ingot-shaped silver bars dotted with copper and the Sembian symbol. They were considered "face value" and, besides the usual 10, 25, and 50 gp denominations of this period, trade bars valued  5 gp could also be found.<ref name="FRA-129" />

===Shaar===
[[Shaar]] Rings were made of sliced and bored [[ivory]] and hung on long strings by the plainsmen of Shaar. Rings were found in bundles, and each ring was worth 3gp each.<ref name="FRA-129" />

===Shou Lung===
[[Shou Lung]] copper was any copper coin which was not immediately recognizable, and therefore declared to come from the mystical East and given a value of 1 cp. Only a small number of these coins actually came from Shou Lung, or any of the [[Kara-Tur]] nations, but the name stuck. Shou Lung silver was similar: any unknown or badly worn silver coin given a value of 1 sp.<ref name="FRCS3e-p91" />

[[Trade bar]]s from Shou Lung were slender bars of silver, definitely oriental in origin, that had made their way to the West. Shou Lung trade bars were worth about 40 gp each.<ref name="FRA-129" />

===Silverymoon===
[[File:Silverymoon_currency-5e.jpg|thumb|200px|''The eclipsed moon from Silverymoon, the waterdhavian pierced [[harbor moon]], and Sembian triangular hawks.'']]
{{Main|Coinage in Silverymoon}}

[[Silverymoon|Silvaeren]]-minted coins were the following:<ref name="SCAG5e-p13" />

* platinum piece: "[[unicorn (coin)|unicorn]]"
* gold piece: "[[Dragon (coin)|dragon]]"
* electrum piece: "[[sword (coin)|sword]]"
* silver piece: "[[shield (coin)|shield]]"
* copper piece: "[[glint]]"

In addition to these coins, [[Silverymoon]] also minted the crescent-shaped electrum "[[Moon (coin)|moon]]", whose value increased substantially over time, but was always worth less outside of the [[Silver Marches]]. During the [[Time of Troubles]] one moon was worth 2 ep in the Silver Marches and 1 ep elsewhere.<ref name="FRA-129" /><ref name="SF-7">{{Cite book/The Savage Frontier|7}}</ref> By [[1372 DR]], it was valued at 2 gp within the Silver Marches.<ref name="SM-p85">{{Cite book/Silver Marches|85}}</ref> After the [[Second Sundering]], the moon was valued at 2 unicorns (or 1 unicorn outside of Silverymoon). During this same period, Silverymoon also minted the round "[[eclipsed moon]]", rated at 5 unicorns in Silverymoon and 2 unicorns elsewhere.<ref name="SCAG5e-p13" /><ref group="note">Page 20 of the ''[[Dungeon Master's Guide 5th edition]]'' instead states that a moon is worth 1 gp within the city and 1 ep elsewhere, while the eclipsed moon is worth 5 ep within Silverymoon and 2 ep elsewhere.</ref>

===Tethyr===
Due to upheaval in [[Tethyr]] during the [[Tethyrian Interregnum|Interregnum period]], Tethyan gulders, moelans, myrats, and zonths were only worth between 60% and 90% of their usual value.<ref name="FRA-129" />

Tethyr made use of two-gold-piece coins called "brakar". They also produced trade rings in 20-, 50-, and 100-gold-piece weights.<ref name="LoI3.T-pp14-15">{{Cite book/Lands of Intrigue/Tethyr|14-15}}</ref>

===Vaasa===
The [[Warlock Knights]] of [[Vaasa]] minted coinage in the late 15{{th}} century DR. Coins were made using alloys of the traditional metals with ''[[ironfell]]'', and were the following:<ref name="DunMag.177-p.78">{{Cite dungeon/177/Realmslore: Vaasa|78}}</ref>
* gold piece: "[[anvil (coin)|anvil]]"
* silver piece: "[[dirk (coin)|dirk]]"
* copper piece: "[[nub (coin)|nub]]"

Platinum was not minted into coins, but was exchanged in narrow ingots worth 50 gold anvils each.<ref name="DunMag.177-p.78" />

===Waterdeep===
[[File:Coins,_books,_ale.jpg|thumb|''Gold, knowledge and ale: the currency and merchandise traded at the [[Yawning Portal]] in [[Waterdeep]].'']]
{{Main|Coinage in Waterdeep}}
[[Waterdeep|Waterdhavian]]-minted coins were the following:<ref name="FRCS-p91" /><ref name="SCAG5e-p13" />

* platinum piece: "[[Sun (coin)|sun]]"
* gold piece: "[[Dragon (coin)|dragons]]"
* electrum piece: "[[sambar]]"
* silver piece: "[[shard (coin)|shard]]"
* copper piece: "[[nib]]"

Like Silverymoon, Waterdeep also minted two special coins. The square brass "[[toal|taol]]", or "taol", was worth 2 dragons, but had no value elsewhere,<ref name="FRA-129" /><ref name="FRCS-p91" /> so they were usually exchanged when one left the city. The palm-sized crescent-shaped platinum "[[harbor moon]]", inset with electrum, was rated 50 dragons in the city, but much less everywhere else. During the [[Time of Troubles]] a harbor moon was worth only 2 gp outside of Waterdeep,<ref name="FRA-129" /> but this value increased to 30 dragons after the [[Second Sundering]]. Both coins had holes to allow them to be stacked in strings.<ref name="SCAG5e-p13" />

===Windrise Ports===
{{Main|Coinage in the Windrise Ports}}

Coins minted in the [[Windrise Ports]] were:<ref name="EdWindrise1">{{cite web|author=[[Ed Greenwood]]|title=Ed's Twitter|url=https://twitter.com/TheEdVerse/status/1421965486309392391|accessdate=2021-08-08}}</ref><ref name="EdWindrise2">{{cite web|author=[[Ed Greenwood]]|title=Ed's Twitter|url=https://twitter.com/TheEdVerse/status/1421965487286726660|accessdate=2021-08-08}}</ref>

* platinum piece: "[[splendor]]"
* gold piece: "[[Crown (coin)|crown]]"
* electrum piece: "[[haebur]]"
* silver piece: "[[talond]]"
* copper piece: "[[haeth]]"

All the cities of the Windrise Ports minted their coins as necessity dictated, and the coins were stamped with the distinctive rune and the civic motto of their city of origin.<ref name="EdWindrise3">{{cite web|author=[[Ed Greenwood]]|title=Ed's Twitter|url=https://twitter.com/TheEdVerse/status/1421965484279353345|accessdate=2021-08-08}}</ref> They were scrupulously made of "pure" metal and had a uniform size, allowing them to retain their value in places outside the Windrise Ports.<ref name="EdWindrise4">{{cite web|author=[[Ed Greenwood]]|title=Ed's Twitter|url=https://twitter.com/TheEdVerse/status/1421965485290229761|accessdate=2021-08-08}}</ref>

In the late years of the 15{{th}} century [[DR]], the [[trade bar]]s from the Windrise Ports were made of electrum rather than silver, as their [[Tarmalune Trade Bars|silver trade bars]] became unpopular because they tarnished too quickly.<ref name="EdWindrise5">{{cite web|author=[[Ed Greenwood]]|title=Ed's Twitter|url=https://twitter.com/TheEdVerse/status/1421965482337443841|accessdate=2021-08-08}}</ref><ref name="EdWindrise6">{{cite web|author=[[Ed Greenwood]]|title=Ed's Twitter|url=https://twitter.com/TheEdVerse/status/1421965483327344640 |accessdate=2021-08-08}}</ref>

===Zakhara===
[[Zakhara]]n-minted coins were the following:<ref name="AA85">{{Cite book/Arabian Adventures|85}}</ref>

* gold piece: "dinar"
* silver piece: "dirham"
* copper piece: "bit"

=== Zhentil Keep ===
Instead of referring to the coins by their material, most people would call them by their original government-issued name, except for the ones minted at [[Zhentil Keep]], which had unflattering nicknames given to them by [[Zhent]]s.<ref name="SCAG5e-p13" />

Zhentil Keep minted the following coins:<ref name="SCAG5e-p13" />

* platonum piece: "[[platinum glory]]", popularly known as "flat metal gem"
* gold piece: "[[glory|glories]]", popularly known as "weeping wolf"
* electrum piece: "[[tarenth]]", popularly known as "hardhammer"
* silver piece: "[[talon]]", or "naal", popularly known as "flea-bit"
* copper piece: "[[fang]]", popularly known as "dung-piece"

==Other Forms of Currency==

===Gems===
Precocious [[gem]]s could be just as good as coin.<ref name="DMG4e-p124">{{Cite book/Dungeon Master's Guide 4th edition|124}}</ref> They were even rarer than metals and required great skill in mining, cutting, and polishing. Gems had great value because people desired them for their beauty and often wore them in jewelry. The arcane [[Magic|Arts]] also required certain gems as spell components, which increased their rarity even more, as they were consumed in the casting of powerful spells.<ref name="VGtATM2e-p34-54">{{Cite book/Volo's Guide to All Things Magical|34-54}}</ref>

===Gond Bells===
[[Gond bell]]s were introduced by the [[Lantan|Lantanese]] and used in regions of the North, in particular in trade between worshipers of [[Gond]]. The small brass bells enclosed a loose [[ornamental stones|ornamental stone]] which caused it to clatter. Each was worth 10gp on the open market or 20gp if traded to a church of Gond.<ref name="FRA-129" /><ref name="FRCS-p91">{{Cite book/Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting 3rd edition|91}}</ref>

===Tharsult Statues===
[[Tharsult]] Statues were small art objects used in trade. They were made of [[ivory]], [[jade]], or [[serpentine]] and were used as coinage in that region. Most of these that reached the North were treated as curios and were worth around 15 gp. In their native land they were worth about 5 gp each.<ref name="FRA-129" />

===Paper Currency===
Mercenary Cards were small cards of parchment about the size of a [[Talis]] card, marked on one side with the symbol of a particular mercenary company. The reverse was usually a handwritten scrawl from the troop's paymaster authorizing payment. These became currency by being found in loot caches, won in card games, or stolen from the unwary.<ref name="FRA-129" />

[[Blood notes]] were scrolls, letters, or other carvings representing [[I.O.U.]]s and promissory notes from the listed person(s) to the holder of the note. They were so called because they must be signed in blood by all parties involved and taken to the local Lord for the affixing of the royal seal.<ref name="CotR-9" /> Blood notes could be offered by individuals, adventuring companies, or countries and cities to cover debts. In common usage the debtor was legally obligated to pay when the note was presented. Blood notes from deceased individuals were not binding.<ref name="FRA-129" />

[[Bela]] was paper money used by barbarian tribes to the east in [[Kara-Tur]]. In western Realms it was worthless and occasionally offered as an insult.<ref name="FRA-129" />

A Letter of Trade was similar to a Blood Note and called for a delivery of a particular item or items to the bearer.{{Fact}}

==Extraplanar Currencies==
===Astral Diamonds===
{{Main|Astral diamond}}
Astral diamonds (ad) were tiny, glowing gemstones that were used as currency on some [[planes of existence]] in the [[World Axis cosmology]]. A standard astral diamond weighed 1/500{{th}} of a pound (0.9 grams), and they were often strung together in sets of 5 or 10.<ref name="DMG4e-p124" /> On Toril, astral diamonds were regarded as valuable treasures worth 10,000 gp apiece.<ref name="FRCG4e-p45" /><ref name="DMG4e-p124" /> 

===''Soul Coins''===
{{Main|Soul coin}}
A ''soul coin'' was a {{SIAdj|5|inch|long=yes|adj=wide}} coin of ''[[infernal iron]]'' that contained the tormented [[soul]] of a single creature. They were used as currency in the [[Nine Hells]], and were minted in [[Minauros]] by [[Mammon]].<ref name="BGDiA-225">{{Cite book/Baldur's Gate: Descent into Avernus|225-226}}</ref>

==Appendix==
===Notes===
{{Notes}}
===References===
{{Refs}}
[[Category:Currency]]
[[Category:Items]]
[[Category:Spell components]]
@@ Line 36: / Line 36: @@
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 }}
-'''Currency''' referred to the practice of using items with a somewhat universal value, namely precious [[metal]]s, [[gem]]s, and some minerals to determine wealth and in trade for goods and services. The most common forms of currency in everyday transactions among sentient beings of the [[Forgotten Realms|Realms]] were coins (or "pieces"). Usually, most coins were made of [[gold]], [[silver]], and [[copper]]. Less frequently, coins made of [[platinum]], [[electrum]], and even [[iron]] were also found. In all cases, the standard for measuring wealth was the gold piece, even if neither gold nor coins were involved in a transaction.<ref name="PHB5e-p143">{{Cite book/Player's Handbook 5th edition|143}}</ref><ref name="SCAG5e-p13" />
+'''Currency''' referred to the practice of using items with a somewhat universal value, namely precious [[metal]]s, [[gem]]s, and some minerals to determine wealth and in trade for goods and services. The most common forms of currency in everyday transactions among sentient beings of the [[Forgotten Realms|Realms]] were coins (or "pieces"). Usually, most coins were made of [[gold]], [[silver]], and [[copper]]. Less frequently, coins made of [[platinum]], [[electrum]], and even [[iron]] were also found. In all cases, the standard for measuring wealth was the gold piece, even if neither gold or coins were involved in a transaction.<ref name="PHB5e-p143">{{Cite book/Player's Handbook 5th edition|143}}</ref><ref name="SCAG5e-p13" />
+A standard gold piece (gp) weighed 0.32 oz (9.07 g), so that 1 lb (454 g) of gold was worth 50 gp.<ref name="PHB5e-p143" />
-A standard gold piece (gp) weighed {{SI|0.32|oz|long=yes}}, so 50 coins weighed about {{SI|1|lb|long=yes}}.<ref name="PHB5e-p143" /> Each piece was typically a flat disk 1{{Frac|4}} or {{SI|1.25|in|c|long=yes}} in diameter and {{Frac|8}} or {{SI|0.125|in|m|long=yes}} thick.<ref name="FRCS3e-p91" /><ref group="note">Unfortunately, for both of these statements to be true, a typical gold coin had very little gold in it and was either alloyed with a ''much'' lighter metal, like aluminum, or was made of a gold-clad wooden disk. The density of gold is 19.32 g/cm³ and a pure gold coin of those dimensions would weigh about {{SI|1.7|oz|long=yes}} or over five times the weight of a "standard" coin. This suggests that the dimensions of a standard coin should be smaller and thinner.</ref>
 The penalty for counterfeiting was death in most places, since cities, kingdoms, and nations relied on the acceptance and trust of their currency.<ref name="CotR-9">{{Cite book/Forgotten Realms Campaign Set/Cyclopedia of the Realms|9}}</ref>
@@ Line 57: / Line 57: @@
 ===As of [[1367 DR]]===
-During the [[Time of Troubles]], platinum and gold (and consequently electrum) saw a decrease in value with respect to other metals. Around this time, standard exchange rates across the Realms were:<ref name="PH2ed-66">{{Cite book/Player's Handbook 2nd edition|66}}</ref><ref name="FRCS2e-p26-27">{{Cite book/Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting 2nd edition (revised)|26-27}}</ref><ref name="FRA-129">{{Cite book/Forgotten Realms Adventures|129-130}}</ref><ref group="note">The year [[1367 DR]] corresponds to the "present" in p. 23 of the ''[[Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting 2nd edition (revised)]]''.</ref>
+During the [[Time of Troubles]], platinum and gold (and consequently electrum) saw an increase in value with respect to other metals. Around this time, standard exchange rates across the Realms were:<ref name="PH2ed-66">{{Cite book/Player's Handbook 2nd edition|66}}</ref><ref name="FRCS2e-p26-27">{{Cite book/Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting 2nd edition (revised)|26-27}}</ref><ref name="FRA-129">{{Cite book/Forgotten Realms Adventures|129-130}}</ref><ref group="note">The year [[1367 DR]] corresponds to the "present" in p. 23 of the ''[[Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting 2nd edition (revised)]]''.</ref>
 {{Currency table|1 platinum piece|1 platinum |5 gold|10 electrum|50 silver |500 copper}}
@@ Line 72: / Line 72: @@
 {{Currency table|1 platinum piece|1 platinum |10 gold|100 silver |1000 copper}}
-During this period, [[Baldur's Gate]] had consolidated the trade bar standards. This time period also saw the appearance of trade bars made of several different metals, including gold (although those were still rare at the time) and [[iron]] (although its value was not standardized outside of [[Mirabar]]). Trade bars were most commonly found in weights of {{SI|1|lb|k}}, {{SI|2|lb|k}}, {{SI|5|lb|k}}, and {{SI|10|lb|k}}. Standard values were the following: a {{SIAdj|1|lb|k}} silver bar was worth 5 gp and a {{SIAdj|1|lb|k}} gold bar was worth 50 gp.<ref name="FRCS3e-p91" />
+During this period, [[Baldur's Gate]] had consolidated the trade bar standards. This time period also saw the appearance of trade bars made of several different metals, including gold (although those were still rare at the time) and [[iron]] (although its value was not standardized outside of [[Mirabar]]). Trade bars were most commonly found in 1, 2, 5, and 10 lb weights (0.45, 0.91, 2.27, and 4.54 kg, respectively). Standard values were the following: a 1-lb silver bar was worth 5 gp and a 1-lb gold bar was worth 50 gp.<ref name="FRCS3e-p91" />
 ===As of [[1479 DR]]===
@@ Line 86: / Line 86: @@
 {{Currency table|1 platinum piece|1 platinum|10 gold|20 electrum|100 silver|1000 copper}}
-During this period, silver once again became the standard for trade bar currency. Most common trade bars of this period weighed {{SI|5|lb|k|long=yes}}, measuring {{SI|6|in|c}} by {{SI|2|in|c}} by {{SI|1|in|c}} and valued at 25 gp.<ref name="SCAG5e-p13" /> Trade bars of other materials also existed. A gold bar weighing {{SI|1|lb|long=yes}} was worth 50 gp; the same weight of copper was worth 5 sp; {{SI|1|lb|long=yes}} of silver was worth 5 gp; and a {{SIAdj|1|lb}} bar of platinum was worth 500 gp.<ref name=PHB5e-p157>{{Cite book/Player's Handbook 5th edition|157}}</ref>
+During this period, silver once again became the standard for trade bar currency. Most common trade bars of this period weighed 5 lb (2.27 kg), measuring 6×2×1 inches (15.2×5.1×2.5 cm) and valued at 25 gp.<ref name="SCAG5e-p13" /> Trade bars of other materials also existed. A gold bar weighing 1 lb (454 g) was worth 50 gp; the same weight of copper was worth 5 sp; 1 lb of silver was worth 5 gp; and a 1-lb bar of platinum was worth 500 gp.<ref name=PHB5e-p157>{{Cite book/Player's Handbook 5th edition|157}}</ref>
 ==Coinage Throughout the Realms==
@@ Line 147: / Line 147: @@
 Although [[gold]] coins, the most common coin used by adventurers, were often called [[Golden lion (coin)|golden lions]] throughout the Realms, only the Cormyrian coins were actually stamped with the figure of a lion.<ref name="FRA-129" />
-===Impiltur===
-When the kingdom of Impiltur was reunified after its ''Kingless years'' [[King Lashilmbrar]] introduced a standardized currency that replaced those individually minted by the city-states of [[Lyrabar]], [[Hlammach]], [[Dilpur]] and [[Sarshel]].<ref name="DRM-346 p.59">{{Cite dragon/346/Impiltur: The Forgotten Kingdom|59}}</ref>
-* platinum piece:"[[torntar]]"
-* gold piece: "[[balan]]"
-* silver piece: "[[halanth]]"
-* copper piece: "[[sardil]]"
 ===Lantan===
-Trade bars from [[Lantan]] were flat envelope-shaped bars of worked [[steel]] marked with the great wheel of [[Gond]]. They were worth 20 gp each and used primarily along the [[Sword Coast]].<ref name="FRA-129" />
+Trade bars from [[Lantan]] were flat envelope-shaped bars of worked steel marked with the great wheel of [[Gond]]. They were worth 20gp each and used primarily along the [[Sword Coast]].<ref name="FRA-129" />
-===Maztica===
-The main currency of the entire [[Maztica]]n continent were [[cocoa]] beans (abbreviated "cb"). They could be exchanged for coin accepted in the [[Sword Coast]] at spice shops.<ref name="MCS2e-p66-67">{{Cite book/Maztica Campaign Set/A Journey to the True World|66-67}}</ref>
-{{Currency table|1 gold piece|100 cocoa beans}}
 ===Mirabar===
-Trade bars from ([[Mirabar]]) were made of black iron and shaped like rectangular spindels''(sic)''. They were worth 10 gp in Mirabar and 5 gp in the rest of the Realms.<ref name="FRA-129" />
+Trade bars from ([[Mirabar]]) were made of black iron and shaped like rectangular spindels''(sic)''. They were worth 10gp in Mirabar and 5gp in the rest of the Realms.<ref name="FRA-129" />
 ===Sembia===
@@ Line 186: / Line 173: @@
 ===Shaar===
-[[Shaar]] Rings were made of sliced and bored [[ivory]] and hung on long strings by the plainsmen of Shaar. Rings were found in bundles, and each ring was worth 3 gp each.<ref name="FRA-129" />
+[[Shaar]] Rings were made of sliced and bored [[ivory]] and hung on long strings by the plainsmen of Shaar. Rings were found in bundles, and each ring was worth 3gp each.<ref name="FRA-129" />
 ===Shou Lung===
@@ Line 194: / Line 181: @@
 ===Silverymoon===
-[[File:Swordcoastcurrency.png|thumb|250px|''The eclipsed moon from Silverymoon, the waterdhavian pierced [[harbor moon]], and Sembian triangular hawks.'']]
+[[File:Silverymoon_currency-5e.jpg|thumb|200px|''The eclipsed moon from Silverymoon, the waterdhavian pierced [[harbor moon]], and Sembian triangular hawks.'']]
 {{Main|Coinage in Silverymoon}}
@@ Line 200: / Line 187: @@
 * platinum piece: "[[unicorn (coin)|unicorn]]"
-* gold piece: "[[Coinage in Silverymoon|dragon]]"
+* gold piece: "[[Dragon (coin)|dragon]]"
 * electrum piece: "[[sword (coin)|sword]]"
 * silver piece: "[[shield (coin)|shield]]"
@@ Line 208: / Line 195: @@
 ===Tethyr===
-{{Main|Coinage in Tethyr}}
 Due to upheaval in [[Tethyr]] during the [[Tethyrian Interregnum|Interregnum period]], Tethyan gulders, moelans, myrats, and zonths were only worth between 60% and 90% of their usual value.<ref name="FRA-129" />
@@ Line 222: / Line 208: @@
 ===Waterdeep===
-[[File:GoldDragonCoins.png|thumb|200px|''The gold dragons of Waterdeep.'']]
+[[File:Coins,_books,_ale.jpg|thumb|''Gold, knowledge and ale: the currency and merchandise traded at the [[Yawning Portal]] in [[Waterdeep]].'']]
 {{Main|Coinage in Waterdeep}}
 [[Waterdeep|Waterdhavian]]-minted coins were the following:<ref name="FRCS-p91" /><ref name="SCAG5e-p13" />
@@ Line 228: / Line 214: @@
 * platinum piece: "[[Sun (coin)|sun]]"
 * gold piece: "[[Dragon (coin)|dragons]]"
-* electrum piece: "[[sambar (coin)|sambar]]"
+* electrum piece: "[[sambar]]"
 * silver piece: "[[shard (coin)|shard]]"
 * copper piece: "[[nib]]"
-Like Silverymoon, Waterdeep also minted two special coins. The square brass "[[toal]]", or "taol" (either name was correct),<ref name="PoF-78">{{Cite book/Power of Faerûn|78}}</ref> was worth 2 dragons, but had no value elsewhere,<ref name="FRA-129" /><ref name="FRCS-p91" /><ref name="SCAG5e-p13" /> so they were usually exchanged when one left the city. The palm-sized crescent-shaped platinum "[[harbor moon]]", inset with electrum, was rated 50 dragons in the city, but much less everywhere else. During the [[Time of Troubles]] a harbor moon was worth only 2 gp outside of Waterdeep,<ref name="FRA-129" /> but this value increased to 30 dragons after the [[Second Sundering]]. Both coins had holes to allow them to be stacked in strings.<ref name="SCAG5e-p13" />
+Like Silverymoon, Waterdeep also minted two special coins. The square brass "[[toal|taol]]", or "taol", was worth 2 dragons, but had no value elsewhere,<ref name="FRA-129" /><ref name="FRCS-p91" /> so they were usually exchanged when one left the city. The palm-sized crescent-shaped platinum "[[harbor moon]]", inset with electrum, was rated 50 dragons in the city, but much less everywhere else. During the [[Time of Troubles]] a harbor moon was worth only 2 gp outside of Waterdeep,<ref name="FRA-129" /> but this value increased to 30 dragons after the [[Second Sundering]]. Both coins had holes to allow them to be stacked in strings.<ref name="SCAG5e-p13" />
 ===Windrise Ports===
@@ Line 256: / Line 242: @@
 * copper piece: "bit"
-===Zhentil Keep===
+=== Zhentil Keep ===
 Instead of referring to the coins by their material, most people would call them by their original government-issued name, except for the ones minted at [[Zhentil Keep]], which had unflattering nicknames given to them by [[Zhent]]s.<ref name="SCAG5e-p13" />
 Zhentil Keep minted the following coins:<ref name="SCAG5e-p13" />
-* platinum piece: "[[platinum glory]]", popularly known as "flat metal gem"
-* gold piece: "[[glory]]", popularly known as "weeping wolf"
+* platonum piece: "[[platinum glory]]", popularly known as "flat metal gem"
+* gold piece: "[[glory|glories]]", popularly known as "weeping wolf"
 * electrum piece: "[[tarenth]]", popularly known as "hardhammer"
 * silver piece: "[[talon]]", or "naal", popularly known as "flea-bit"
-* copper piece: "[[fang]]", popularly known as "dung-piece".
+* copper piece: "[[fang]]", popularly known as "dung-piece"
 ==Other Forms of Currency==
-[[File:Coins,_books,_ale.jpg|thumb|''Gold, knowledge and ale: the currency and merchandise traded at the [[Yawning Portal]] in [[Waterdeep]].'']]
 ===Gems===
 Precocious [[gem]]s could be just as good as coin.<ref name="DMG4e-p124">{{Cite book/Dungeon Master's Guide 4th edition|124}}</ref> They were even rarer than metals and required great skill in mining, cutting, and polishing. Gems had great value because people desired them for their beauty and often wore them in jewelry. The arcane [[Magic|Arts]] also required certain gems as spell components, which increased their rarity even more, as they were consumed in the casting of powerful spells.<ref name="VGtATM2e-p34-54">{{Cite book/Volo's Guide to All Things Magical|34-54}}</ref>
-===Pearls===
-Certain underwater races used [[pearl]]s as currency rather than coins. The value of this currency changed according to several factors: the size of the pearl, measured from a standard of {{SI|0.25|in|m|long=yes}}; its rarity; and quality. In the [[Sea of Fallen Stars]], the value of a pearl was determined by its color:<ref name="FRCS3e-p91" />
-* white pearl, or "seyar": 1 cp undersea and 2 sp ashore;<ref name="FRCS3e-p91" />
-* yellow pearl, or "hayar": 1 sp undersea and 2 gp ashore;<ref name="FRCS3e-p91" />
-* green pearl, or "tayar": 1 gp undersea and 20 gp on land;<ref name="FRCS3e-p91" />
-* blue pearl, or "nuyar": 5 gp undersea and 100 gp on land;<ref name="FRCS3e-p91" />
-* olive pearl, or "olmar", {{SI|7|in|c|long=yes}} long, {{SI|3|in|c|long=yes}} wide, and diamond-shaped:  500 gp undersea and over 2,000 gp ashore.<ref name="FRCS3e-p91" />
 ===Gond Bells===
-[[Gond bell]]s were introduced by the [[Lantan|Lantanese]] and used in regions of the North, in particular in trade between worshipers of [[Gond]]. The small brass bells enclosed a loose [[ornamental stones|ornamental stone]] which caused it to clatter. Each was worth 10 gp on the open market or 20 gp if traded to a church of Gond.<ref name="FRA-129" /><ref name="FRCS-p91">{{Cite book/Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting 3rd edition|91}}</ref>
+[[Gond bell]]s were introduced by the [[Lantan|Lantanese]] and used in regions of the North, in particular in trade between worshipers of [[Gond]]. The small brass bells enclosed a loose [[ornamental stones|ornamental stone]] which caused it to clatter. Each was worth 10gp on the open market or 20gp if traded to a church of Gond.<ref name="FRA-129" /><ref name="FRCS-p91">{{Cite book/Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting 3rd edition|91}}</ref>
 ===Tharsult Statues===
@@ Line 308: / Line 285: @@
 ===Notes===
 {{Notes}}
-===Gallery===
-;Waterdhavian currency:
-<gallery>
-File:Nib-coin-5e.jpg|A [[copper]] [[nib]]
-File:Shard-coin-5e.jpg|A [[silver]] [[Shard (coin)|shard]]
-File:GoldDragonCoins.png|A [[gold]] [[Dragon (coin)|dragon]]
-File:Taol-5e.jpg| A [[brass]] [[taol]]
-File:Sun-coin-5e.jpg|A [[platinum]] [[Sun (coin)|sun]]
-File:Harbor moon-5e.jpg|A platinum/[[electrum]] [[harbor moon]]
-</gallery>
 ===References===
 {{Refs}}