Copper Deben

Prices set in weights of copper, paid in grain, oil or cloth.

Back of Copper Deben: the Deben copper-weight reckoning tradition, how a note would work, and the traits of Noun #99 — Back · the tradition

Security Edition v2

The same note set like a banknote: full engraved portrait of Noun #99, guilloche, watermark, thread, foil stripe and microtext, all printed art. What's on it

Security Edition front of Copper Deben: a line-engraved portrait of the full actual Noun #99 in a guilloche oval beside a watermark window, thread and holographic-look stripe — Security Edition · front

Security Edition back of Copper Deben: a color medallion of Noun #99 in a guilloche rosette, with the note's story — Security Edition · back

v2 front SVG ↓ v2 back SVG ↓

The tradition · c. 1550–1070 BCE

Deben copper-weight reckoning

In New Kingdom Egypt (c. 1550–1070 BCE), prices were stated in copper weights called deben but paid in goods; the tomb-builders of Deir el-Medina wrote their deals on ostraca.

Source: Prices of Commodities (Encyclopedia.com) ↗

How a note would work

Prices are posted in Deben, a fixed reckoning unit, and members settle in goods or help of equal reckoning. Deben are earned by contributing and 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

PlaceDeir el-Medina, Luxor, Egypt
Erac. 1550–1070 BCE
RegionAfrica & the Middle East
UnitDeben · Deben
Face value20 Deben
SerialGB-G007-N0099
NounActual Noun #99 ↗
Why this NounCats were household favourites in ancient Egypt, and the village's sketches on ostraca include them.
Headcat
Glassessquare yellow orange multi
Bodymagenta
Accessoryglasses logo sun
Seedbg 1 · body 17 · acc 53 · head 36 · glasses 19