The Currency of Alera

The coinage system is the foundation of the default economic and monetary union of the Realm of Alera.

With these coins being hard to replicate and produce not only for their stamped marks, but also for the metal they contain, as well as being heavy in nature, they make up the bedrock of the society. Being valuable and hard to produce makes them sought after, and their weight makes it so they are hard to move and needs a solid foundation such as a town to make good use of them. As an added bonus, this makes them them hard to steal in large quantities.

A single coin should weigh around an ounce (22g), with a thickness of 0.3cm and a diameter of 2.5-4.5cm depending on the metal.The ideal packing density of coins is 78.6% (if neatly ordered in stacks) or about 60% if loose.

Different containers and pouch has different volume, however as coins weight add up, most equipment will falter long before its volume is expended. If coin content shown below is exceeded, it grants, not only a chance for the equipment a chance to rip and spill the content, but also grants onlookers and thieves advantage to perception and slight of hand checks made against the leaded content. Coins are often referred to by their coinage, such as a copper ram, a silver bull and a golden eagle / golden crown.

Unusual coins made of other precious metals sometimes appear in treasure hoards. The electrum piece (ep) and the platinum piece (pp) originate from fallen empires, lost kingdoms or secluded circles and they sometimes arouse suspicion and skepticism when used in transactions due to them being easier to tamper with and falsify.

Hoarding wealth can be a good plan, however, gold is heavy as hell. 400 coins in a sturdy strong box is 9kg without counting the box. Walk or ride 8 hours with that and you are worn to the bone. As to hunting for everything, that works for a trip, but be realistic. After a fortnight on the road with only rabbit somebody is gonna splurge on a meal... or a wench... or new boots. You can also be frivolous and look for more expensive items.

You can however store your coin in the local bank but a fee, but better devise a plan so you don't arouse suspicion or attract the eye of a tax collector.