VL

Alchemists would then have to choose between making shears or having money. Same with people who want aurum weapons for spooks.

Those items could be coded to be broken down into their original gold pieces or the items themselves could also be used as currency. When you buy gold jewelry, you aren't choosing between a good look and money. It is both.

Physical currency in minecraft is a flawed concept and is vastly limited by inventory restrictions. It "seems" like a good idea, but trust me on this one - it's not. We've got the makings of a very decent economy, it needs further structure however.