Latinum
- Metallic transdimensional element
- Liquid at room temperature
- Many alloys are solid
- Liquid at room temperature
- Common medium of exchange and signifier of wealth
- Due to its transdimensional nature, latinum (unlike earlier common mediums of exchange such as gold, silver, or platinum) cannot be handled or processed by replication or transporter technology
- As a result, any processing must be done physically
- Coupled with its natural rarity, this causes latinum to be valued by many near-Federation civilizations as a basis of currency
- Especially widespread due to Ferengi influence
- Because of its liquid state, latinum is most often traded in standardized gold-pressed mintings of particular size and weight
- Coupled with its natural rarity, this causes latinum to be valued by many near-Federation civilizations as a basis of currency
- First known to Humans mid-22nd century (ENT Novel: The Good That Men Do)
- Used as currency as early as mid-23rd century (DIS Novel: The Way to the Stars)