Galleons

• Type: Wizarding Currency
• Users: Witches and Wizards in Great Britain and likely other wizarding communities.
• Maker: Minted and regulated by the Goblins of Gringotts Wizarding Bank.

A Galleon is the largest and most valuable denomination of wizarding currency used in Great Britain. They are thick, circular coins made of solid gold. According to Bill Weasley, every Galleon is stamped with a unique serial number around its edge, which identifies the specific Goblin who minted it. While the books do not describe any imagery on the faces of the coins, they are noted for their high value and are the standard for significant purchases and wealth measurement in the wizarding world. Vanishing or magically duplicated coins, such as Leprechaun Gold, are considered counterfeit and worthless as they disappear after a short time.

As the primary unit of currency, Galleons are used for all major transactions, from purchasing school supplies in Diagon Alley to rewarding achievements and posting bounties. The established exchange rate is as follows:

• 1 Galleon = 17 silver Sickles
• 1 Galleon = 493 bronze Knuts

While standard Galleons possess no inherent magical properties beyond their Goblin-made nature, they can be magically altered. Hermione Granger demonstrated this by bewitching a batch of fake Galleons with a Protean Charm for the members of Dumbledore's Army. These coins served as a secret communication device; when Harry Potter altered the date on his coin, the other coins would grow hot and the numbers on their rims would change to match, alerting the members to the next meeting time. This enchantment was sophisticated enough that Draco Malfoy was unable to replicate it, instead resorting to a cruder attempt with his own coin and a partner.

Galleons have been the standard of wizarding wealth for centuries, managed exclusively by the Goblins at Gringotts. The coins are stored in high-security vaults deep beneath the bank, such as the Potter family vault, from which Harry Potter made his first withdrawal in 1991, and the even more secure Lestrange vault. Throughout the series, Galleons are central to several key events:

• The Weasley family won a grand prize of 700 Galleons in the Daily Prophet Galleon Draw, which they used to visit Bill Weasley in Egypt.
• Harry Potter gave his Triwizard Tournament winnings of 1,000 Galleons to Fred and George Weasley, providing the capital they needed to start their joke shop, Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes.
• During the Second Wizarding War, the Ministry of Magic, under the control of Lord Voldemort, placed a 10,000 Galleon bounty on Harry Potter's head for his capture, dead or alive.

Galleons function as a powerful symbol of status, opportunity, and motivation within the wizarding world. The stark contrast between the vast fortune Harry Potter inherited and the modest financial state of the Weasley family is a recurring theme that explores class differences and the nature of wealth. Furthermore, Galleons act as a significant plot device. Harry's financial independence allows him to operate outside the Dursleys' control and generously support his friends. The 1,000 Galleons from the Triwizard Tournament are directly responsible for the creation of Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes, whose products later play crucial roles in defying Dolores Umbridge and fighting Death Eaters. The fake Galleons used by Dumbledore's Army become a vital and secure method of communication, highlighting Hermione Granger's exceptional magical talent. Finally, the bounty placed on Harry drives the tension in the final book, forcing the trio into hiding and leading to their eventual capture by Snatchers.

• Etymology: The name “Galleon” is likely derived from the large, multi-decked sailing ships of the same name used by European states from the 16th to 18th centuries. These ships were famously used to transport treasure, making the name fitting for a gold coin.
• Real-World Value: In a 2001 interview for Comic Relief, J.K. Rowling stated that she estimated the value of one Galleon to be “about five British pounds” (£5 GBP).
• Film Appearance: In the film adaptations of the series, Galleons are depicted with various designs, often featuring the logo of Gringotts Wizarding Bank or the image of a dragon. (film)