The Many Currencies Of 'Star Wars'
Image Source: Wookieepedia
The Star Wars galaxy is filled with civilizations, many of which are united together under major powers, but some of which are individual or maintain an internal identity. Part of all this statecraft and cultural dialogue is currency, essential for trade and commerce, helping link people together. While some currencies are more niche or have had their time and are now faded in significance, others remain active and prominent in the wider galaxy. The following list explores this topic and shows the diversity of currencies known by the denizens of the galaxy far, far away.
7. Priorite
Image Source: Wookieepedia
One of two examples on this list of a material used in barter to replace hard currency, priorite was a valuable mineral found in the Star Wars galaxy. While its use is currently not explained, the material could still be traded to others because of its value. Priorite played a role in the story of Cal Kestis, being found in his journeys across worlds like Jedha and especially Koboh, which was specifically rich in the substance. The mineral was also the currency of choice accepted by Koboh native Doma Dendra, the mayor of Rambler’s Reach and owner of a shop in town.
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6. Zukkel
Image Source: Wookieepedia
This currency was prominent in the Outer Rim of the galaxy during the time of the High Republic. Its coins were either gold or bronze in coloration with various shapes, and could be found on worlds like Jedha. The Path of the Open Hand accumulated a vast amount of zukkels during the Mother’s tenure over the organization, enough to propose a massive payment to the Convocation of the Force following the Battle of Jedha to try and dispel the idea that the Path was malicious. This payment was also an extremely unsubtle bribe that led to greater suspicions falling on such a humble group.
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5. Batuuan Spira
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The local currency of the planet of Batuu, Batuuan Spira, was a long, hexagonal coin made of various colored metals. The currency was ancient by the time of the Skywalker Saga, and contained lettering naming it as Spira, and at least in the major port of Black Spire Outpost, initials that indicated it was from that region. A stylistic depiction of the Outpost was also included on the coinage, though whether it represented all of Batuu or just the Spira minted at the Outpost is unclear.
4. Wupiupi
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Wupiupi was first mentioned in the Prequel Trilogy, and was evidently a currency with a great deal of circulation if its value was known on Naboo among the isolationist Gungans. The coinage was circular, with an ornate Huttese script on one side. The currency also had various known denominations, with 16 wupiupi equalling a trugat, and 64 trugat equalling a peggat. The currency had links to the Hutts, though whether that was to the Cartels, ancient Hutt society, or one of their possessions, which then spread beyond the originating world, is unknown.
3. Calamari Flan
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Calamari Flan was seemingly the currency native to the Mon Calamari people, and appeared as thick discs of a pale blue, slightly elastic material. After the fall of the Galactic Empire, the early instability of the New Republic credit, as well as the lack of value in Imperial credits, meant that alternative coinage like the Flan was more acceptable for payment at the fringes of the galaxy. This is likely because of Mon Cala’s key role within the New Republic and a rise in prominence for the species as a whole. Din Djarin was satisfied to be paid in Flan for his bounties, and the currency had value in other parts of the galaxy, suggesting the scope of financial issues in the New Republic, but also the respect and value held for this currency.
2. Spice
Image Source: Wookieepedia
The second currency on this list is more of a trade good than a proper hard currency. Spice is a powdered substance that has a tremendous association with the criminal underworld and is classified as a drug in the Star Wars universe. Coming in various colors and imbibed in various ways, spice is likely not directly used as a currency, but is instead a good that stands in for actual money. The biggest indication of this is how spice is brought up by pirate captain Hondo Ohnaka, insisting his business partners don’t accept currencies like Republic credits. As a pirate, spice is likely very easily movable for a man like Hondo, quick to sell to those with hard currency like wupiupi, more acceptable in Hutt space and other criminal dens, but also able to be directly sold to spice users across the galaxy. Given Hondo had links as deep into the Core as Coruscant itself, it is clear criminal trade networks could run far and wide, carrying all sorts of goods to distant regions from their point of origin.
1. Credit
Image Source: CultureSlate
The credit is the main currency of the Star Wars galaxy. Be it under the Galactic Republic of the Prequels, the Galactic Empire of the Originals, or the New Republic of the Sequels, this currency is associated with centralized authority. The shape of the credit has changed a lot over time, with smaller denominations seemingly represented by small or long rectangular bars, and larger sums represented by broader rectangles. The New Republic also seemed to have some degree of its coinage denomination given out in circular coins. All of these forms of money are often stamped with the symbol of the related galactic power, from the Republic cog to the Imperialcog, to the New Republic starbird, and usually also have the symbol for the credit on them. This is best described as the number 7 with two vertical lines through the top, horizontal, line.
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