[HPforGrownups] Re: Your Weight in Galleons or Tuition

[Whirdy at aol.com]

No: HPFGUIDX 32992

In a message dated 1/7/02 1:00:08 PM Eastern Standard Time, 
Joanne0012 at aol.com writes:


> But the question then arises -- are galleons based on the coins' instrinsic 
> worth?  
> If so, larger-denomination coins would still add up to the same 25-pound 
> weight 
> or else be made of something else (platinum? titanium?).  
> 
> Actually,  we're going to have to go off into JKR-math-La-La-Land, for now, 
> since 
> instrinsic value also means that a single galleon (i.e., $7 worth of gold) 
> would 
> weigh under a gram, which is not a practical size for a coin!  
> 
> In sum, either we have to stop holding JKR accountable for things 
> quantitative, 
> or else she has to hire one of us to do out these sums for her.  I 
> volunteer!
> 
> 
> 

I think we should factor in the Gringott Bank which is undoubtedly chaired by 
the one and only Alan Greengoblin, who assumes the power to set the prime 
rate.  Since it is the only bank in the wizarding world, it can put in as 
little or as much gold as they wish into a galleon, since all you can 
exchange for is sickles or knuts.

However, we know the Grangers have traded their muggle money for wizarding 
money.  Does Hermione do the reverse at the end of the year and how do they 
provide her allowance (as good muggle parents do) throughout the year.

This leads to another money questions -- Has the question of tuition cost be 
broached?  We see that students must provide their own potion ingredients.  
What is the source of funding for teachers' salaries or wages.  Does Filch 
run the school store if only to keep down the break-ins of Snape's office.  
Does Hogwarts provide scholarships? academic or quidditch?

whirdy
  .  



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