> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://whitepaper.paydirt.game/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://whitepaper.paydirt.game/virtual-currency.md).

# Virtual Currency

Multiple types of virtual currencies exist in Paydirt due to the [historical accuracy pillar](/paydirt/pillars.md#historical-accuracy-and-authenticity) that is central to its design. This differentiates Paydirt from other games and creates an opportunity for both fun and learning to take place.

## Gold Dust

[Gold Dust](/gold-dust.md) is the primary virtual currency in [Paydirt: The Discovery](https://paydirt.game/discovery) and all future episodes of Paydirt. It is also a mineable resource. 

{% hint style="info" %}
*During the California Gold Rush,* there was a shortage of coins all across the Americas but especially in California because of the lack of mints in what was then a frontier. This led to the use of gold dust as a currency.
{% endhint %}

Gold Dust is valued at $16 [Paydirt Dollars](/paydirt-dollars.md) per troy ounce.

{% hint style="info" %}
On September 9th, 1848, citizens of San Francisco met to decide the price of gold dust. They agreed that $16 per ounce was a fair price and that it ought to be taken in all business transactions at that rate.
{% endhint %}

## Gold Nuggets

Gold nuggets can be used as currency and are valued by their weight and purity. It is inadvisable to use the larger [Gold Nuggets](/virtual-items/collectibles/gold-nuggets.md) as currency as they are typically worth more than their intrinsic value due to rarity and collectability.

To calculate the actual value of a gold nugget, the weight in troy oz is multiplied by the fineness and finally by the value of pure gold.\
\
E.g., a 1 oz gold nugget at 825 fineness is worth:\
\
$$1 \* 0.825 \* 20.67 =  $17.05$$ [Paydirt Dollars](/paydirt-dollars.md).

The game performs all of the math and displays the value for convenience.

A gold nugget must be assayed at the [Mint & Assay Office](/mint-and-assay-office.md) to determine its purity.

## Gold Coins

Gold Coins can be used as virtual currency by spending at face value. There are both generic coins and rare coins. Limited edition collectible [Gold Coins](/virtual-items/collectibles/gold-coins.md) can be worth more for their artifact value or numismatic value than their face value or intrinsic value due to rarity and it would be wise to avoid spending them.\
\
Gold Coins can be minted in denominations of $1, $2.50, $5, $10, $20 and $50 [Paydirt Dollars](/paydirt-dollars.md) at the [Mint & Assay Office](/mint-and-assay-office.md). Some coins will be available for a limited period of time and some are specific to certain locations.

## Gold Bars

Gold bars are valued by weight and fineness (purity) and can be spent as virtual currency. They range in size from 5 to 1000 troy oz and are typically used in larger transactions.

{% hint style="info" %}
The [Coinage Act of 1834](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coinage_Act_of_1834) established the U.S. statutory price of gold at $20.67 per troy ounce and it remained at that price until 1933.
{% endhint %}

To calculate the actual value of a gold bar, the weight in troy oz is multiplied by the fineness and finally by the value of pure gold.

One fine oz of pure gold is worth $20.67 [Paydirt Dollars](/paydirt-dollars.md).\
\
E.g., a 100 troy oz gold bar at 914 fineness is worth:\
\
$$100 \* 0.914 \* 20.67 =  $1889.24$$ [Paydirt Dollars](/paydirt-dollars.md).

The game performs all of the math and displays the value for convenience.

A gold bar must be assayed at the [Mint & Assay Office](/mint-and-assay-office.md) to determine its purity. Gold bars produced by the Mint & Assay Office are automatically assayed and marked. Gold bars produced outside of the Mint & Assay Office which are not assayed or marked with a fineness value are known as *Doré bars*.

## Spanish Reales

A Spanish Real in Paydirt is worth 1 [Core Credit](#core-credits) and vice-versa.\
\
The most common unit of this currency is the [Spanish Dollar](#spanish-dollar). Spanish Reales are worth 1/8th of a Spanish Dollar.

{% hint style="info" %}
*Spanish Reales were a historical unit of currency used in Spain from the mid-14th to mid-19th centuries.*
{% endhint %}

## Spanish Dollar

A Spanish Dollar is worth eight (8) [Spanish Reales](#spanish-reales) and it is equivalent to a [Paydirt Dollar](/paydirt-dollars.md).

{% hint style="info" %}
The Spanish Dollar, also known as the piece of eight, was a historical silver coin that was used in Europe, the Americas and the Far East through the mid-19th century. It became the world's first global currency.
{% endhint %}

{% hint style="info" %}
"Sales were for cash, the currency of the country being placer gold-dust at $ 16 per ounce if clean and pure, and $15 or less for that -which was not so good, supplemented by Mexican dollars and Mexican gold doubloons at $16 each; there was very little European or American coin." —William Tell Coleman
{% endhint %}

## Spanish Doubloon

A Spanish Doubloon is worth sixteen (16) [Spanish Dollars](#spanish-dollar) or 128[ Spanish Reales](#spanish-reales).

{% hint style="info" %}
The Doubloon is a historical gold coin. Doubloons were produced in several denominations of 1⁄2, 1, 2, 4 and 8 gold *escudos*, but Americans referred to the eight-escudo denomination as the Doubloon, so that is what is used in Paydirt.
{% endhint %}

## Core Credits

Core Credits are the virtual currency of the metaverse platform Core. In Paydirt, Core Credits can be converted to [Spanish Reals](#spanish-reales) 1:1 by through purchase or exchange at in-game bank.\
\
Core Credits can be purchased from the [Core Games Shop](https://www.coregames.com/shop).