Currency

Core Coinage

Mariposa (Copper/Bronze)
The lowest denomination, representing small, everyday transactions. "Mariposa" means butterfly, symbolising commonality and flight. These coins are simple, with a stylised butterfly motif.

Gota (Silver)
The most common medium of exchange, used for larger daily purchases and wages. “Gota” means drop, suggesting the preciousness of water and the steady flow of commerce. These feature symbols of abundance, such as a full moon or a flowing river.

Estrella (Gold)
The highest denomination, reserved for significant transactions, land purchases, and the wealthiest individuals. “Estrella” means star, reflecting rarity, divine guidance, and immense value. These coins are intricately designed, perhaps bearing the symbol of a celestial map.

1 Estrella (Gold) = 12 Gotas (Silver)
1 Gota (Silver) = 12 Mariposas (Copper/Bronze)

Non-Coinage Forms of Wealth

• Amulets/Relics: Small, consecrated objects (perhaps made of polished stone, carved wood, or woven materials) could hold spiritual or symbolic value, used as tokens of favour, protection, or even as high-value currency among certain groups. A priestess might bestow these for exceptional service.
• Holy Waters/Oils: Bottled or contained sacred waters or rare oils, blessed by the priestesses, could be extremely valuable for medicinal purposes, rituals, or anointing. These would be less about everyday transactions and more about high-level gifts or payments within the religious hierarchy.
• Traded Goods: Emphasise the value of specific resources unique to your land. For a Spanish-flavoured setting, this could include:
• Saffron: A highly prised spice, valuable for its culinary uses, dyes, and potential medicinal properties.
• Olives/Olive Oil: Essential for cooking, lighting, and anointing, representing a staple and a valuable export.
• Fine Wines/Spirits: Depending on your region, specific fermented beverages could hold significant trade value.
• Specialised Textiles: Richly dyed fabrics or finely woven tapestries could be a form of wealth, especially if they involve rare materials or intricate craftsmanship.

Economic Considerations and Flavour

Centralised Control: The priestesses control the minting and distribution of currency, solidifying their power and divine authority. The coins themselves could bear the effigy of the current high priestess or a symbol of their patron deity. Religious Significance: Perhaps there are tithes paid in specific offerings (crops, labour, or even Mariposas) to the temples, reinforcing the priestesses’ economic and spiritual grip. Bartering: While coinage exists, don’t forget the importance of bartering for common goods in rural areas or between communities, especially for bulk items like grains, livestock, or building materials. This adds a layer of realism. Local Variations: Different regions or religious orders might have slightly varied unofficial currencies or trade practices, adding depth to your world. For example, a northern mountain region might value furs more than olives.

Sample Prices and Wages

Let’s put some sample prices and wages to those coins, keeping in mind a medieval fantasy setting with a Spanish flavour. These are rough estimates and can be adjusted based on the specific scarcity, prosperity, and economic nuances of your world. We’ll assume the following general exchange rates for simplicity, though in a real economy, market fluctuations would exist:

=Sample Prices

Everyday Necessities (Mariposas and Low Gotas): Item Cost Item Cost Loaf of good bread 1-2 Mariposas Mug of ale/wine (common) 1-3 Mariposas Basic meal at a tavern 5-8 Mariposas Small fish/chunk of meat 3-6 Mariposas Pouch of common spices (e.g., salt, pepper) 1-2 Mariposas Candle 1 Mariposa Simple knife 5-10 Mariposas (or 1 Gota) Pair of basic leather shoes 8-15 Mariposas (or 1-2 Gotas) Night at a common inn (bed only): 5-10 Mariposas Arrow (single) 1 Mariposa Rope (10ft) 2-4 Mariposas Simple common cloth tunic 1-2 Gotas

Goods and Services (Gotas): Item Cost Item Cost Quality sword (well-made, not masterwork) 5-15 Gotas Suit of leather armour 8-20 Gotas Fine wine (bottle) 1-3 Gotas Small sack of flour 1-2 Gotas Horse (common riding) 8-25 Gotas (depending on quality and training) Cart/Wagon 5-15 Gotas Hire a common labourer for a day 3-5 Mariposas (but paid in Gotas weekly/monthly) Healer’s visit (basic wound) 1-3 Gotas Gemstone (small, low quality) 1-5 Gotas Rent for a small city dwelling (per month) 3-10 Gotas

High-Value Items and Luxuries (Estrellas): Item Cost Item Cost Large plot of arable land (outside city) 1-5 Estrellas (or more for prime land) Small house in a city 3-10 Estrellas Masterwork weapon/armour 2-5 Estrellas Warhorse 2-8 Estrellas Large trading vessel/ship 10-50+ Estrellas Major religious relic 5-50+ Estrellas (potentially priceless, negotiated) Amulet/Relic (spiritual value, high-end) 1-5 Estrellas (or more if truly ancient/powerful) Payment for a mercenary company for a week 5-20 Estrellas (depending on size/skill) Large shipment of saffron/rare spices 1-10 Estrellas Dowry for a noble marriage 5-100+ Estrellas (or land/titles)

Sample Wages

Commoners and Labourers (Mariposas and Low Gotas)

Item Cost Item Cost Unskilled labourer (per day) 3-5 Mariposas (often paid weekly, 2-3 Gotas) Farmhand (per day) 2-4 Mariposas (often paid in food/lodging plus a small wage) Common guard/soldier (per day) 5-8 Mariposas (or 1 Gota, usually paid monthly) Inn servant/maid (per day) 2-4 Mariposas (plus food/lodging) Craftsman’s apprentice (per day) 1-3 Mariposas (mostly training, minimal wage) Sailor (per day) 4-7 Mariposas (plus food, often paid per voyage)

Skilled Workers and Professionals (Gotas)

Item Cost Item Cost Journeyman craftsman (e.g., carpenter, smith, tailor – per day) 8-15 Mariposas (or 1-2 Gotas, paid weekly/monthly) Mercenary (individual, basic gear – per day) 1-3 Gotas Scribe/Clerk (per day) 1-2 Gotas Healer/Apothecary (per service) 1-5 Gotas (or retainer for a noble house) Skilled artisan (e.g., master weaver, glassblower – per day) 2-5 Gotas Merchant’s factor/agent (per month) 10-30 Gotas (plus commission)

Higher Status and Specialised Roles (Gotas and Estrellas)

Item Cost Item Cost Master of a guild (monthly salary) 1-3 Estrellas (plus guild fees/profits) Captain of a guard company (monthly salary) 2-5 Estrellas High-ranking priestess (stipend/offerings, monthly) 3-10+ Estrellas (plus significant non-monetary benefits, land, power) Court Mage/Scholar (monthly retainer) 5-15+ Estrellas (highly variable) Noble’s steward (monthly salary) 1-5 Estrellas Wealthy merchant (annual profit) 0-100+ Estrellas (highly variable based on trade)