The Shekel is the standard unit of currency in Rephidim, and, since it is the dominant power to deal with, in Sinai at large. When one refers to a "shekel" alone, it typically refers to the basic unit, a ceramic coin which is worth a cup of grain -- or roughly $1 for comparison. Greater denominations are represented by copper, iron, silver, and ultimately gold -- progressively rarer minerals on Sinai. 1 gold = 5000 shekels; 1 silver = 1000 shekels; 1 iron = 500 shekels; 1 copper = 100 shekels. The typical inn costs 5 shekels per night, not including food, and meals run between 3 and 5 shekels. There are half- and quarter-shekel pieces.
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