SR Theme: Currency

[Vardaen]

Here follows a list and description of Imperial coins, their exchange rates, and their Carnassian equivalents to the north:

Copper Drachma:

The most common coin of daily transaction. It is approximately one inch in diameter, of an even copper hue, with a smooth front and back and ridged edges. On the front is depicted a closed fist surrounded by a ring of fire, symbolizing loyalty, and on the back two crossed scimitars, the symbol of imperial might. There are also Half-Drachma and Quarter-Drachma coins, respectively one-half and one-quarter the size of the full Drachma, and of similarly diminished copper content. Their design, except for the stamped name of the coin in question, is exactly the same. (Carnassian equivalent: the Copper Arrow)

Silver Temari: (Worth 10 Drachmas)

A valuable, but still common coin. A fully silver coin, it is smaller than the Drachma, by perhaps a quarter of an inch, and smooth on the sides. On the front is shown a coiled snake, symbol of the Imperial Army and its supreme commander, the Hidden Lord of Sands, and on the back is a depiction of his great tower in the province of Dogon Saunri. There is also a Half-Temari coin, one-half the diameter of the Temari, and worth 5 Drachmas. The design is identical. (Carnassian equivalent: The Silver Talon)

Steel Ashanti: (Worth 5 Temari)

Steel, highly valued because of the difficulty of its creation and its strength in weapons, forms the base for this middle coin between gold and silver. It is a rare coin. Half an inch in diameter, with smooth edges, the front of it depicts a bat with outstretched wings, and the back a forge and hammer, symbol of the industrial might of the Empire, key to its military strength. (No Carnassian equivalent)

Imperial Mark: (Worth 10 Temari)

This coin is also widely known as the 'Golden Jackal,' and is the standard-bearer, so to speak, of the Imperial currency. It is one inch in diameter, with ridged edges, and is formed of pure gold. It bears the image of a jackal's head on the front, one of the Master's many symbols, and on the back the image of the Temple to the Immortal One in the grand province of Yuw, with a bat in flight over the top of it. The words 'Antashi qoin Tenedach' adorn the front, meaning 'Strength through Conquest.' (Carnassian equivalent: the Golden Eagle)

[Vardaen]

It should be noted that in 412PY the currency in Carnac and all of the Province of Drakkar has changed. However in 400PY the Carnassian coins are still in full use in Carnac.

For 412PY:
Carnac has for centuries been known as a prosperous trading city, and in the four hundred years of its independence developed the use of its own currency, which established a wide dominance over nearby lands, and can be seen in merchants' coffers as far north as Durnalis, and as far west as the lands of Rathain.

Since the invasion of Uruadum, the Imperial currency has overtaken the use of Carnac's native currency, and most native coin has now been melted down and reissued as official Imperial currency. Nevertheless, existing coin is still accepted by many independent merchants, more for its strict worth as valuable metal than for any political reason, and it is a favored coin on the black market as well.

Its value as a currency has been officially revoked, however, and its use by any citizen is grounds for fine and imprisonment. Government policy currently decrees a 1:1 exchange ratio of value for any citizen seeking to replace outlawed coin with official currency, and it is thought that soon the coin of the old 'Free City' will vanish for good.