: It is probable that in the areas where the common language of Westron was known some form of standardised exchange rate was found based on a common system of weights - "The Numenorian Talent" if you like. So under normal conditions a quarter talent of silver would buy two chickens or five loaves whether you were in Pelargir or Hobbiton. Of course famine or local gluts would tend to introduce variations of this exchange rate over both distance and time. In this system a coinage would not be strictly necessary; though the merchant would have to carry a balance to weigh precious metal and have some rough method of checking purity. Plus for many transactions a straight barter would be possible.

Thank you...
I am trying to run a role playing game in ME and it is kinda tricky to bart for everything, every time you rest at an inn etc... I hope you see my problem... If I knew how common e.g silver is, I could create a monetary system that had some connection to ME, though I hate this "1 gold-piece = 10 silver-pieces"