Barley Measure

Barley and silver as the yardstick for wages, goods and debts.

Back of Barley Measure: the Barley and silver shekel standard tradition, how a note would work, and the traits of Noun #12 — Back · the tradition

Security Edition v2

The same note set like a banknote: full engraved portrait of Noun #12, guilloche, watermark, thread, foil stripe and microtext, all printed art. What's on it

Security Edition front of Barley Measure: a line-engraved portrait of the full actual Noun #12 in a guilloche oval beside a watermark window, thread and holographic-look stripe — Security Edition · front

Security Edition back of Barley Measure: a color medallion of Noun #12 in a guilloche rosette, with the note's story — Security Edition · back

v2 front SVG ↓ v2 back SVG ↓

The tradition · c. 3000–500 BCE

Barley and silver shekel standard

In ancient Mesopotamia, barley and weighed silver were the yardsticks for goods, wages and debts, often paid in kind; law codes fixed equivalents, and silver coils were snipped to settle debts.

Source: Oriental Institute exhibit examines commerce, trade in ancient Near East (University of Chicago News) ↗

How a note would work

Measures are earned by growing, milling or baking for the group and spent on food or help; prices are set in Measures, not cash. They are never bought or cashed out.

Design concept inspired by this tradition, not issued by or for the people who keep it. Not legal tender, not for sale, no cash value, no redemption and no investment rights.

Front SVG ↓ Back SVG ↓ Machine edition

PlaceSouthern Mesopotamia, Iraq
Erac. 3000–500 BCE
RegionAfrica & the Middle East
UnitMeasure · Measures
Face value60 Measures
SerialGB-G015-N0012
NounActual Noun #12 ↗
Why this NounMesopotamia's barley was also brewed into beer, and beer rations were a common way to pay workers.
Headbeer
Glassessquare magenta
Bodybege crt
Accessorybody gradient dawn
Seedbg 1 · body 1 · acc 17 · head 11 · glasses 12