Asia · Mongolia, Tibet and Siberia · G041

Tea Brick

Compressed tea bricks, scored so pieces could break off as change.

Back of Tea Brick: the Brick tea currency tradition, how a note would work, and the traits of Noun #89 — Back · the tradition

Security Edition v2

The same note set like a banknote: full engraved portrait of Noun #89, guilloche, watermark, thread, foil stripe and microtext, all printed art. What's on it

Security Edition front of Tea Brick: a line-engraved portrait of the full actual Noun #89 in a guilloche oval beside a watermark window, thread and holographic-look stripe — Security Edition · front

Security Edition back of Tea Brick: a color medallion of Noun #89 in a guilloche rosette, with the note's story — Security Edition · back

v2 front SVG ↓ v2 back SVG ↓

The tradition · centuries-old to c. WWII

Brick tea currency

Into the 20th century, and in Siberia until about World War II, compressed tea bricks served as money across Mongolia, Tibet and Siberia; they were scored so pieces could be broken off as change.

Source: Tea brick currency (Bank of Canada Museum) ↗

How a note would work

Bricks are earned by preparing food and drink for shared gatherings and spent on goods or help; a Brick splits into small pieces for little trades. 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

PlaceMongolia, Tibet and Siberia
Eracenturies-old to c. WWII
RegionAsia
UnitBrick · Bricks
Face value1 Brick
SerialGB-G041-N0089
NounActual Noun #89 ↗
Why this NounThe first handheld game consoles were nicknamed 'the brick', which makes this the perfect tea brick.
Headconsole handheld
Glassessquare yellow orange multi
Bodyrust
Accessorywall
Seedbg 1 · body 25 · acc 127 · head 55 · glasses 19