septims

Septims, commonly referred to as gold septims, are the standard currency of the Empire in the The Elder Scrolls series. They are the primary medium of exchange across most of Tamriel, including Cyrodiil, Skyrim, and Morrowind. The unit takes its name from the Septim Dynasty, which founded and long ruled the Imperial Line.

In-universe minting occurs at the Imperial Mint in the Imperial City, where coins are produced to standardized weights and purity. While the exact appearance and denominations vary across eras and games, septims are typically represented as gold coins bearing imperial imagery. The system emphasizes a single currency across provinces, though local economies may rely on barter or unofficial credits.

Economically, septims function as the coin of account and store of value for most transactions. Prices for goods, services, and wages are quoted in septims, and large purchases require many coins. The value of septims can be affected by political stability, imperial taxation, and the empire’s fiscal policies, with in-game dynamics sometimes reflecting inflation or regional shortages.

In lore and fan discourse, the term septim is tied to the Imperial Dynasty and the realm’s long history. In game terms, septims are the currency used by merchants, institutions, and travelers across most TES titles, serving as a unifying monetary system despite variations in regional economies and time periods.