The Currency of the Ierendi Islands
Ierendi’s economy is a vibrant reflection of its tropical landscape and maritime heritage. Unlike the dour merchant coins of Darokin, Ierendi coins—collectively referred to as “Island Gold”—are often minted with wavy edges, central holes for stringing, and imagery of the sea.
The Pali (1 pp)
- The Design: The Pali is made of shimmering “White Gold” (a platinum alloy). It is incredibly small but remarkably heavy for its size. The obverse depicts the High King and Queen of Ierendi, while the reverse shows the “Eternal Flame” of the islands. Due to its value, it is rarely seen outside of high-stakes gambling dens or upper-class resorts.
The Geleva (1 gp / 2 gp / 3 gp / 5 gp)
- The Variations:
- Standard Geleva (1gp): A standard gold coin with a scalloped edge (wavy like the sea).
- Double & Triple Geleva: These are significantly thicker than standard coins, feeling like heavy “slugs” in the hand.
- The 5-Geleva: Often called the “Great Sun,” this is the largest gold coin, featuring a hole in the center so it can be worn as a pendant or strung on a sailor’s cord.
The Sana (1 sp)
- The Design: The Sana is famous for its “Iridescent Polish,” a secret minting technique that gives the silver a rainbow sheen when held against the sun. It features an image of a traditional Ierendi outrigger boat on one side and a sea turtle on the reverse.
The Cokip (2 bp / 1 bp / 0.5 bp)
- The “Split” System:
- The Full Cokip: A thick bronze coin featuring a crown of coral.
- The Half-Cokip: A Full Cokip that has been minted as a semi-circle (literally a “half-moon” shape).
- The Quarter-Cokip: A wedge-shaped coin, often called a “Shark Tooth.”
- Note: Because Ierendi is a hub of trade, the Cokip is designed to be literally broken or minted in fractions to ensure that even the poorest traveler can make exact change for a drink or a fruit skewer.
Archives of Mystara: Archivist Note
In the port of Ierendi City, “The Cokip” is often used as a slang term for any small, insignificant matter. However, travelers should be warned: while the Quarter-Cokips look like scrap metal, the local islanders are meticulous about their weight. Attempting to pass off a clipped Darokin copper as a Quarter-Cokip is a quick way to find yourself in a local magistrate’s office.
