I have always wondered why Moroni devoted so much space in the Book of Mormon to tell us about the Nephites money system; I haven't figured it out yet, but I did notice some interesting tidbits.
First off, Their currency was backed by grain (see verse 7, 15), it wasn't a fiat system
Second, "they did not reckon after the manner of the jews...neither did they measure after the manner of the jews." Mosiah actually established their money system when he instituted the reign of the judges, - Side note: Mosiah also set specifics as to what a judge was paid for his labor (verse 1) which seems to provide a form of check on the judges -and prevoius to this time "they altered their reckoning and measure, according to the minds and circumstances of the people, in every generation, until the reign of the judges." (verse 4) Why would he fix the currency? (This question is directed at those of you who know more about economics than.)
And finally, "[their] reckoning is thus:"
A Senine of gold = 1 Measure of Grain
A Seon of gold = 2 MoG
A Shum of gold = 4 MoG
A Limnah of gold = 7 MoG
A Senum of Silver = 1 MoG
An Amnor of silver = 2 MoG
An Ezrom of silver = 4 MoG
An Onti of silver = 7 MoG
A Shiblon = 1/2 MoG
A Shiblum = 1/4 MoG
A Leah = 1/8 MoG
An Antion = 3 Shiblons, or 1 1/2 MoG
Another interesting tidbit, Zeezrom offered Amulek 6 Ontis to deny Christ. 6 Ontis = 42 MoG.
Very cool, very odd. Any other ideas, specifically, why 1, 2, 4, 7? Why in the world is there an Antion? And do you think the reason it was included has anything to do with the economic system we'll have/create for Zion?
