I know, I know. I just started two threads in quick succession. So sue me
By the way, I think this topic has already been discussed, but I couldn't find it anywhere, so I'm sorry for bringing it up again.
I'm a little confused about the currency in Aman and Arda. It's said that Aman grew rich with the jewels of the Noldor, but I've never seen elves engage in any kind of monetary trade or system. There seems to be a very primitive sort of barter system, where one favour is met with another. I know that jewels and pearls were given to the Dwarves when they built Menegroth, but I still don't know. There seems to be little distinction between an elf that is a fisherman and an elf that's a lord, only that their jobs are different, and the lord probably wears better clothes. The reason I'm saying this is because I've never seen an elf-servant (there's a butler in The Hobbit, but even he seems to be rather authoritative); that probably indicates that elves were generally rather well-off, and few engaged in 'lowly' jobs.
The only currency I've come across in ME is the silver pennies that are used in Bree when Merry loses his ponies.
Either way, could someone clear this up? Thanks!