First thing to mention is that everything written here is written with the voice of the player, and that this does not exist in the In-Character world as any type of document, note or sketch owned by my character.
Secondly, the monetary system on LoTRO: despite being perfect in matter of game mechanics (which is the point of it, really), it doesn't really lend itself well to roleplay. So, this is how I decided to tackle the problem in the roleplay world.
Mind that this is not an attempt to enforce anything. This is merely a note for myself, for those who roleplay with me and for the other roleplayers who will find themselves sharing my thoughts. Do not feel forced to follow this system. This is just how I will roll from now on.
This monetary system was inspired by the English monetary system of the Middle-Ages.
There are two types of money: the money that exists (currency) and the money that doesn't (money of account). I believe you all know what currency is. Money of account is, as the name suggests, an accounting unit used for large scale transactions, and not physical currency.
Currency
Penny: the core of this monetary system, a penny is made of silver. 240 pennies weigh exactly a pound. The most common coin to be found in the purse of the average craftsman or citizen of similar wealth. One penny is the price of a gallon of decent ale, or two chickens.
Farthing: slightly smaller in size than the penny, made of an alloy of three parts copper, one part silver. One penny is worth four farthings. The farthing is common among the average citizens. One farthing can buy six eggs.
Copper boar: the copper boar is the lowest currency: one penny is worth forty copper boars. It is made entirely of copper, and it's smaller than the farthing. It is often used as change, or as spare money given to beggars.
Silver boar: both larger and thicker than the penny, and made of silver. One silver boar is worth four pennies. A silver boar is the price of a pair of shoes, or of a bottle. A silver boar is also the daily wage of a master mason.
Gold boar: the largest currency, a gold boar is worth 80 pennies. Two gold boars is the price of a vise.
Gold sow: still made of gold but half the size (and the value) of a gold boar.
Money of account
Shilling: 12 pennies or 3 silver boars. One shilling is the daily wage of a mercenary man-at-arms. Five shillings is the price of a yard of very good wool.
Mark: 160 pennies or 2 gold boars. A mark is the price of a vise. Two marks is the monthly wage of a chief armorer.
Pound: 240 pennies or 3 gold boars. It is the value of one pound of silver. A pound is the price of an anvil. A laborer earns no more than two pounds in one year.
Credits: europeanhistory.boisestate.edu ; faculty.goucher.edu/eng215/
