Coin (monetary unit)
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Coins are small, flat pieces of metal, minted with images, numerals and text. Standardized in weight, materials and value, they are issues by numerous monarchs and republics. The study of coins is numismatics.
For game playability, by will of the gods, every coin of each type — gold, silver or copper — has the same dimensions and value, though they may have different images on the actual coin. While anachronistic, attempts in the past to create individualised coinage, with multiple values that must be exchanged when moving from one kingdom to the next, proved possible but offered no meaningful contribution to the game's play. After testing this variable system for two years, with no appreciable results, the current system was adopted.
Characteristics
Copper coins or pieces (c.p.) are made of an alloy of copper, nickel and silver. Each copper coin weighs 0.8 oz., or about 23 grams. 10 c.p. weighs ½ a pound. It requires 12 c.p. to equal 1 silver piece.
Silver coins or pieces (s.p.) are made of an alloy of silver and nickel. Each silver coin weighs 0.6 oz., or about 17 grams. 10 s.p. weighs ⅜ of a pound. It requires 16 s.p. to equal 1 gold piece.
Gold coins or pieces (g.p.) are made of an alloy of gold, nickel and silver. Each gold coin weighs 0.4 oz., or nearly 12 grams, of which 8.715 oz. is officially gold. 10 g.p. weighs ¼ of a pound.
| Coin | c.p. | s.p. | g.p. |
|---|---|---|---|
| c.p. | 1 | 1/12 | 1/192 |
| s.p. | 12 | 1 | 1/16 |
| g.p. | 192 | 16 | 1 |
The inconvenient ratios shown are deliberate, to impose some character of historical precedents dictating that ease of use was not a goal, whereas the approximation of value comparing one coin to another was. No sympathy is offered for players who cannot divide by 12 or 16, especially when computers and apps are available.
