Money, money, money!

by Caroline Black

The money in Ark Nova is not attractive even if functional. It’s just simple black chits.



It’s a bit weird as recently I’ve had some games with excellent money tokens. It has been compared to the money or credits in Underwater Cities. Actually I think these are much more interesting although I have upgraded mine to the mental ones available from BGG. It’s one of my favourite upgrades.



The doubloons in Libertalia: Winds of Galecrest look fantastic. Indeed even if I don’t get the game I will get the metal coins. Unfortunately I couldn’t find a image and they are not in linked items either.

I think it’s a good idea to have a set of generic upgraded money. But me being me, I have upgraded money for a lot of my games.

I really like the dollar bills in Streets. Although as I have said before I was slightly disappointed a U.K. based publisher choose US currency but I guess they knew where the market was. They are surprising sturdy and with a good range of denominations.



This were off the back of the wooden coins Sinister Fish Games did for Villagers which came in a nice magnetic chest. Again great range of denominations and easy to distinguish between them. And they stack.



I have a set of Viticulture Essential Edition but unfortunately they don’t stack.

I will always be tempted to buy deluxe versions of games for the coins. I think the ones for Tokaido are excellent as I have a lot of games set in China.



I love my Nanty Narking coins for Obsession. It really adds to the immersion in the game. I do think metal coins are better if they come in silver and gold. Really detailed is a must. But I prefer them with values printed although I appreciate generic coins can be used for a great variety of games.



The coins for Lisboa are pretty good.



A nice bag to keep them in is a great addition. They can be quite expensive although I’ve picked up a few sets quite economicallly if you keep a look out. Like this set for Glen More. I like the two tone effect.



I do like my silverlings for The Castles of Burgundy. With a game with poor production values it helps lift it. Gives it the status the gameplay deserves.



Of course the best currency of all? The iron clays in the deluxe edition of Brass: Birmingham.



Often they are a Kickstarter add on. I tried for a bit using old English pennies but they tarnished so easily and made your hands smell. All those years of use.



So what is your favourite coin upgrade?