The Ten-penny Conversation

Keen observers, observe. When a ten-penny coin trades hands, what can you learn?
The ten-penny conversation is a unique under-language means of communication. Those who have learned it can discuss many things and it works well for discussions that should not be spoken aloud. The one absolute requirement is the common ten-penny coin. With it there is little that cannot be said.
When the language of the coin is to be used, the left hand always begins the message by holding or giving the coin to the other participant. Depending upon the way it is presented informs a lot of the meaning. It can be placed in the palm of the receiver, or flipped over to him or her. If the giving hand is closed and the coin dropped into the palm, the conversation is serious. If the coin is also old, the conversation is critical. The coin can be held between thumb and finger and tapped into the waiting palm. The opposing finger chosen to pair with the thumb means much and transferred between the fingers alone means even more.
Expert practitioners can converse fully with the coin or coins doing the talking, but that is not the only way. While trade is ongoing and coins are changing hands, the verbal conversation may contribute. To the ignorant observer, it is merely conversation between a buyer and seller, or between friends with a debt owed to one or the other.
Some ways, keen observer, that you might see the language in use.

Friends sharing a meal with a friendly argument over who pays, and how much.

A serving girl returning change.

A market magician demonstrating prestidigitation for children with coin tricks while others watch. She may receive tips of ten-penny coins placed into her palm, by the appreciative crowd.

A dispute among tradesmen.

A coin dropped from the left hand of a passerby, observed by a young teen boy who would then retrieve the coin and return it to its owner.

In addition to the versatility of the ten-penny conversation it has additional benefits when used to share information that others may violently try to prevent. Mute messengers are often used, those in power rarely consider the value of the damaged ones and wouldn't even think that they could communicate anything if there are carrying nothing in writing.

Writing System

None.

Phonology

None when only the coins are use.

Syntax

Derives from the initial placement of the coin.

Phonetics

None.

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One example of the ten-penny coin language, using the left hand to give the coin to another.