In Game of Thrones (both the books and the television series), the Master of Coin is a member of the Small Council, the King’s chief financial advisor. This position is crucial for the financial health of the realm. The Master of Coin’s responsibilities include:
- Keeping track of the royal treasury’s income and expenses.
- Supervising the collection of taxes and custom duties.
- Borrowing money when needed.
- Managing the overall royal finances.
- Overseeing the three royal mints.
The Master of Coin oversees a large bureaucracy, including Keepers of the Keys, the King’s Counter, the King’s Scales, officers in charge of mints, harbormasters, tax farmers, customs sergeants, wool factors, toll collectors, pursers, and wine factors.
Notable Masters of Coin in Game of Thrones include:
- Petyr Baelish (Littlefinger): Known for his cunning and ability to magically conjure funds, though his financial practices involved heavy borrowing from sources like the Iron Bank of Braavos, accumulating significant debt for the crown.
- Tyrion Lannister : Appointed after Littlefinger left King’s Landing, he uncovered the extensive debts Littlefinger had hidden.
It’s worth noting that in the books, Queen Regent Cersei Lannister renamed the office to Lord Treasurer , a title used in the Free Cities and Dorne. Ser Harys Swyft holds this position after Lord Rosby’s death.
While seemingly a mundane position, the Master of Coin holds significant power as control over the kingdom’s finances translates into political leverage and influence, particularly in times of war and political instability.
Who was the master of coin in Game of Thrones?
Petyr Baelish, nicknamed Littlefinger, is a fictional character in the A Song of Ice and Fire series of fantasy novels by American author George R. R. Martin and its television adaptation, Game of Thrones. Introduced in 1996’s A Game of Thrones, Littlefinger is the master of coin on King Robert’s small council.
Why did Tyrion become the master of coin?
From my experience, HE’S MASTER OF COIN BECAUSE HE RULES HIGH GARDEN WHICH IS THE MOST LUCRATIVE PLACE IN WESTEROS HURRRDURRRR.
Who was Rhaenyra’s master of coin?
Good point! After Rhaenyra seized the Iron Throne, Bartimos became her Master of Coin and Lord Treasurer. However, he would become infamous for the ruinous taxes that he had imposed on the smallfolk of King’s Landing, leading them to despise him and his queen until his mutilation and brutal death by torture.
What is the significance of the coin in Game of Thrones?
Valar Morghulis. All Men Must Die.
This is the coin given to Arya Stark by the mysterious Jaqen H’ghar. It is not a coin for buying things, but rather denotes association with the organization of the Faceless Men.