Coinage
Each campaign setting will define its own coinage system, but for the purposes of this system, we will define a standard system as a base.
The base unit of value is the copper piece (cp). This is the only coin most people would handle on a day-to-day basis; likely there would be smaller denominations, but adventurers probably aren't concerned with them.
For the purposes of estimating value, assume 1 copper piece is about as valuable as a U.S. Dollar. Supply and demand will cause this ratio to vary widely based on commodity type, but it's a useful baseline for understanding the relative value of items in the game world.
| Coin Name | Value | Description | What it can buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Copper Piece (cp) | 1 cp | A stamped bronze coin, 0.75 inches in diameter, 0.06 inches thick, weighing 2.5 grams. Bronze corrodes to a patina over time, giving older coins a greenish hue. | A loaf of bread, a pint of ale, a cheap pair of socks. |
| Silver Piece (sp) | 100 cp | A minted silver coin, 0.7 inches in diameter, 0.05 inches thick, weighing 2.25 grams. Silver tarnishes to a dull gray over time, giving older coins a matte finish. | A day's pay for a common laborer, a feast for a large family, a modest piece of jewelry, a decent pair of boots. |
| Gold Piece (gp) | 1,000 cp | A minted gold coin, 21 mm (0.83 inches) in diameter, 1.2mm (0.05 inches) thick, weighing 6.9 grams. | A skilled artisan's fee for a 1-3 months of work, a hauberk of chain, a high-quality weapon, a good riding horse. |