Ubar Luther

The books mention several different types of coins including the tarsk bit, the copper tarn, the copper tarsk, the silver tarn, the silver tarsk, the gold tarn, and the double gold tarn. But, there is some confusion over whether all of these coins should actually exist within the currency system. The primary problem is that though the copper and silver tarns are mentioned in the early novels, they seem to vanish in the latter books. The latter novels are also the primary place to find detailed currency conversion references and these passages fail to mention the copper and silver tarns.

By analyzing the references to these coins, it appears that Norman may have phased them out during the first ten books. It seems that Norman tried to make a more coherent currency system in the latter books and chose to jettison the copper and silver tarns. It appears he chose to make those coins to be copper and silver tarsks instead. This is supported by the more detailed currency conversion information provided in the latter fifteen books. The latter books in a series are often the more authoritative on issues as they benefit from more careful consideration. Thus, in this scroll I will be substituting the tarsk coin for any reference to a copper or silver tarn in any pricing reference. The currency system is thus, from lowest denomination to highest: tarsk bit, copper tarsk, silver tarsk, gold tarn, double tarn. This makes a logical and coherent system.

The currency system from lowest denomination to highest: tarsk bit, copper tarsk, silver tarsk, gold tarn, double tarn. This makes a logical and coherent system.

There are few fixed prices on Gor. Haggling is the norm when you wish to purchase an item. In haggling, the buyer and seller negotiate a price that is acceptable to both parties. Bartering is the alternative method used to buy and sell items. Bartering is essentially the trading of items of equivalent value.

Slaves sold at auctions can sometimes be sold for coin or for other goods for instances hides. The following 2 quotes from Prize of Gor given an indication of the value of slaves.

"“And Marjorie?”

"“Sold south to Schendi, where she now serves a black master.”

"“Allison?”

"“To the Barrens, for two hides.”

"“Michelle?”

"“To Torvaldsland, as a bondmaid, for a keg of salted parsit fish.” Prize of Gor

"“Ten copper tarsks were too much for you,” said Targo. “Ten copper tarsk-bits would be too much for you!” Prize of Gor

Money on Gor is only one of the ways of payment used. Much of the Gorean economy, especially in non-urban areas, relies on trade of various goods. Coinage is, much like on earth, habitually specific to the area or City.