Gold Coins
Gold Coins (also referred to as Coins) are the currency of the realm in Foundation. Initially, a village can hold 500 Coins with the ability to expand capacity by building treasuries in buildings such as a Manor House.
Obtaining Coins
Gold Coins are earned by:
- Trading with other cities
- Taxes collected by tax collectors:
- Residential Taxes from Houses
- Milling Taxes from Windmills
- Mining Taxes from Mining Sites
- Smithing Taxes from Smiths and Weapon-Makers
- Drinking Taxes from Taverns
- Tithe Taxes from Churches and Chapels
- Merchandise Taxes from Markets, City Markets and Refectories
- Completing some of the Quests and Missions
- Levying Funds after building a Great Hall
- Tavern visits
Initially, the player will have to earn them either trough taxation or trade as they are reliable sources of income; Quests mostly supply quick, small bursts, and Levying Funds will cause villagers to become unhappy. The player can
Eventually, new taxes will additionally supply the player's treasury to aid in maintaining the settlement.
Unlimited Coins
If a game has the setting Unlimited Coins on, an ∞ will appear instead of the usual current coins and their max capacity. The player will have access to an unlimited amount of them, without worrying about expenses and sufficient income.
Spending Coins
Gold Coins are used for:
- Purchasing territories and their maintenance
- Constructing buildings and their maintenance
- Purchases made via trading
- Promoting Villagers to Commoner (20 Gold Coins) and Citizen (100 Gold Coins) status
- Some of the Quests options
The bulk of coins will be spent on territories and buildings, with trade being the second largest potential expense. Construction is a one-time expense, with an Upfront Cost for most buildings/parts. The expenses for building maintenance, territories and trade are tracked in the Budget section of the Book.