Daily Life: Money in Tirenia

A wide range of different coins are used across Tirenia. Every city mints its own coins, using a different mix of metals, each with their own different names: dragons, crowns, sovereigns, nobles, and more. The exchange rate between them is complicated, and some cities may not even honour particular currencies (in which case, visitors may need to see a money-changer.) There is one coin, however, which is accepted universally: the golden florin of Fiumenze, also known as the 'pezzo d'oro' (gold piece). It has an extremely high proportion of gold in it, making it a very trustworthy coin, and Fiumenze's role as the centre of banking means its coins are found everywhere. Other cities have begun minting their own florins, and so the pezzo d'oro has become an economic benchmark. The second coin that is also accepted universally is the Vanzenian ducat. Vanzenia has almost a monopoly on foreign trade, and so its ducat has immense purchasing power: typically, one ducat is worth ten florins.

For the sake of a Dungeons and Dragons game, it's best to ignore the complexities of exchange rates, but using different names for the coins can help to add flavour. Here are some common coins that players might encounter:

Platinum pieces: The ducat (a large golden coin from Vanzenia).
Gold pieces: The florin (or 'pezzo d'oro').The lire (an older coin - once worth more, but debased over time). The grosso (a silver coin from Vanzenia).The scudo (the coin of the church).
Silver pieces: The soldi (an older but ubiquitous silver coin).
Copper pieces: The denari (the ubiquitous small silver penny). The baiocco (the small copper coin of the church).

Image result for Quentin Massys, The Money Lender and His Wife
Art: 'The Money Lender and his Wife.' Quentin Metsys, 1514.

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