Anvils

Currency of the Dwarves

The strikes of hammers ring out as steam hisses from the forge, each breath of the bellows bringing to life more coins for the treasury. Each masterful hit of the hammer on metal flattens and shapes, demonstrates honed skill and deep discipline, all things that exemplify the Dwarves and their way of life. Every coin that fills Dwarven coffers and treasuries is a testament to their craftsmanship, each marked from when and where they came. Whether gold, silver, copper or the more precious metals, each coin that comes from these forges is a piece of masterful craftsmanship that is honored in their society.
Anvils are the currency of the Dwarven Kingdom, established with the kingdom itself was built in the tunnels beneath the Great Furnaces. Other than changes to dates and mines etched into each coin, the design has remained for millennia, a tribute to Crommel, the God of Forges and the Father of Dwarves. Each coin bears the symbol of an anvil, the representation of the Dwarves, but also the visage of Crommel's hammer, the divine weapon that all Dwarves will always recognize and honor.
For the most part, Anvils have little collector value as their designs are simple and rarely change. Only the adamantite coins are considered collectible as the denomination is rarely used, and the metal is rare to find and even more difficult to work with. Few races outside of the Dwarves have the forges and ability necessary to use adamantite on large scales, including in the production of large quantities of coins. Because of this, most adamantite coins in circulation are Anvils, beloved for their craftsmanship and the ruby that marks the handle of Crommel's hammer.

Design

This currency was given the name Anvils due to the importance of Miners, Blacksmiths, and all manner of craftsmen to the Dwarven Kingdom and their way of life. The Dwarven Kingdom is one of the few kingdoms that utilizes adamantite coins with the adamantine coins being the most decorative of all, even though all coin values share the same imprint. All coins are imprinted with an anvil on one side bearing the year of production and the mine where the metal was sourced while the opposite side is imprinted with Crommel's hammer set with a single gemstone.
Only once throughout the history of the Dwarven Kingdom has the design of their currency changed. It was decided to add the year of production and the name of the source mine as a reminder that all currency in the Kingdom is wrought by the hands of its citizens. At the time of this change, it was also decided to set a small ruby into Crommel's hammer on all adamantite coins.

History

From the earliest days of the Dwarven Kingdom, craftsmanship was important and compensation for the work that others did was necessary. Anvils were established as the currency of the kingdom during its earliest days, although it is written that the earliest Anvils were actually anvils, similar in size to a marble, that could be easily carried in the pocket. This was shortlived as it was determined that the shape was not practical, especially once trade began with other countries across the Northern Continent.
One slight change was ordered to the coins after mass production started. It was believed that adding the year of minting and the mine from which the ore came was not only a way to honor the craftsmanship that went into each coin but also to showcase the great work that the Dwarves did when their currency moved across the world.

Anvils

Anvils by Image via Midjourney, created by Riverfang

Anvils, the currency used in the Dwarven Kingdom, is the most varied and most frequently changed as each coin is stamped with the year it was minted and where the ore was mined. Even with many differences, these coins have little collector's value.

Item type

Currency & Deeds

Related ethnicities

• Dwarven Culture
• Iron Dwarf Culture

Owning Organization

Dwarven Kingdom