Copper "Cottlings"
Obverse:
A young profile of Emperor Cott I, clean-shaven, wearing a simple laurel wreath. His expression is stern but not yet hardened; this portrait represents his early reign.
Text arcs around the rim, "EMPEROR COTT I" (left and right), and "COTTLING" (bottom).
Background is lightly hammered, giving a mottled texture.
Reverse
The Imperial Grain Sigil, symbolizing the Empire’s promise of “orderly prosperity.” Beneath it, the motto "SERVE WELL" in blocky imperial script.
Small mint mark shaped like a downward-pointing triangle.
Edge
Smooth and slightly uneven from low-value casting.
Size
5.8g
Diameter: 27 mm, or 1.06 in.
Thickness: 2.4 mm, or 0.094 in.
Large and chunky, intentionally oversized to give the illusion of value.
Often described as “the coin that wants to be important.”
Cultural Notes
Considered a "commoners' coin", the young portrait is meant to remind people that the Emperor “rose from modest means to ultimate power.”
Silver "Sovereigns"
Obverse
A sharper, older profile of Emperor Cott I, now with more severe lines at the brow. Crowned with the Fivefold Diadem, representing the five conquered kingdoms.
Text arcs around the rim: "COTT I SOVEREIGN OF THE EMPIRE", around the outer ring.
Reverse
The Black Cott Standard rendered in silver relief, the flag whipping in an unseen wind.
Imperial motto, 'UNITY THROUGH OBEDIENCE ', etched along the bottom curve.
Edge
Fine vertical lines, to prevent shaving or clipping.
Size & Shape
Weight: 9.3 g
Diameter: 24 mm
Thickness: 2.1 mm
Slightly smaller but thicker than a Cottling. Feels very solid and dense; it is the Empire’s favorite for tax collection.
Cultural Notes
Used heavily for taxation. Citizens say, “Sovereigns always return to the Emperor.”
Electrum "Imperials"
Obverse
Bust of Emperor Cott I in full military cuirass, his shoulders broad and imposing. A stern gaze directed upward, as if toward glory.
Text arcs around the rim: "THE LEGIONS ARE HIS WILL".
Reverse
A fully armored Legionary helm, flanked by crossed spears. "THE LEGIONS WATCH" is etched around the bottom curve.
Unit-specific mint marks sometimes appear for special issue coins.
Edge
Alternating notches and flat sections, creating a repeating pattern known as the “Legion’s March.”
Size & Shape
--Weight: 7.5 g
Diameter: 22 mm
Thickness: 2.0 mm
Compact with a heavy feel; the odd edged “Legion’s March” rim makes it feel slightly rough in the hand.
Sized to be easy to carry in large quantities by soldiers.
Cultural Notes
Soldiers favor Imperials; they say it “spends like loyalty.”
Gold "Crowns"
Obverse
Emperor Cott I in his most iconic depiction; in a rigid, square posture, wearing the Imperial Sun-Crown (a simple circlet with three sunburst points). Jaw locked, expression utterly confident.
Text arcs around the rim: "COTT I - THE UNBROKEN".
Reverse
A stylized throne of straight, harsh lines, representing absolute order.
The Emperor's motto "STRENGTH ABOVE ALL" is etched along the bottom curve. The throne is intentionally oversized relative to the coin.
Edge
Precision milled with the microtext LOYALTY IS LIFE. Only visible under magnification.
-Size & Shape
Weight: 6.7 g
Diameter: 21 mm
Thickness: 1.8 mm
Thin and elegant, almost delicate. The Empire uses thinner gold coins to make their treasury reserves look larger than they really are.
Cultural Notes
A Crown is a status symbol. Nobles flip them casually to display wealth and loyalty.
Platinum "Eternals"
Obverse
A final, idealized image of Emperor Cott I, fully mature, severe, and expressionless. Cloaked, with only the stern eyes and hard-set mouth visible.
Lighting highlights the platinum’s pale gleam.
Arc text around the rim: "THE EMPIRE ENDURES THROUGH HIM".
Reverse
The Eternal Flame, a spiraling abstract symbol used only in the Emperor’s personal regalia. The flame engraving is deep enough to cast shadows.
Text alonng the bottom edge reads "THE EMPIRE ENDURES" in stark, raised lettering.
Edge
These coins are mirror smooth, polished to near reflective brightness.
Some extremely rare ceremonial issues have inlaid black enamel.
Size & Shape
Diameter: 20 mm
Thickness: 3.2 mm
Short, thick, and startlingly heavy for its size.
Cultural Notes
Only high officers, governors, and the Emperor’s chosen ever handle Eternals.
Receiving one is both a great honor and a permanent mark of scrutiny.
Edge Cutting & Anti-Counterfeiting: Edges are milled, reeded, notched, or polished depending on denomination.
The Empire uses three main anti-counterfeit measures:
Edge Microtext.
Crowns and Eternals have micro-engraved phrases only visible under magnification: “LOYALTY IS LIFE”, and
“THE EMPIRE ENDURES”.
Mintmarks
Tiny symbols hidden inside design elements. Forgery is nearly impossible.
Threaded Core Alloying
Imperials have internal veins of contrasting alloy to prevent the faking of electrum weight.
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