Latinum

Latinum is a fictional currency in the Star Trek universe, most closely associated with the Ferengi Alliance. In the series and related media, latinum is depicted as a valuable, portable medium of exchange used across many cultures and trading networks in the galaxy. The currency exists in several forms, most notably as liquid latinum and as gold-pressed latinum, which is liquid latinum encased between a thin layer of gold to form bars or coins. Larger transactions are shown in bars or strips of latinum, while smaller sums are referred to as slips of latinum.

There is no single universal issuing authority for latinum. Its value and exchange rates are influenced by supply and demand within various trade networks, and trust between merchants plays a significant role in its acceptance. Because latinum is treated as a commodity rather than a fiat currency controlled by a central government, its use extends beyond Ferengi space and appears in dealings with a variety of species throughout the quadrant. The Ferengi cultural emphasis on wealth—codified in their Rules of Acquisition—drives much of the currency’s prominence in the narrative, with latinum serving as a symbol of status and power.

In canon, latinum is often featured in negotiations, heists, and commerce, illustrating both its utility and its potential for conflict. While not a real-world currency, latinum remains a recognizable and enduring element of Star Trek lore, emblematic of Ferengi mercantile philosophy and interstellar trade.