Zeni

Zeni functions as the standard monetary unit throughout much of the Dragon Ball world. Its name derives from historical Japanese bronze coins from the 17th century. Toriyama originally established that one Zeni equals one Japanese Yen, though the prequel manga Jaco the Galactic Patrolman later stated one Zeni was worth about one and a half Yen, a discrepancy that may simply reflect changing exchange rates over the decades between the two stories.

Zeni serves as the prize money for the World Martial Arts Tournament, motivating many fighters to compete. In Dragon Ball GT, Mr. Satan's face appears on the 10,000 Zeni bill, reflecting his status as the public's beloved champion and the richest martial artist in the world. The currency is widely accepted across the planet, though other forms of money exist in different corners of the Dragon Ball universe, such as the Gammets used on the planet Imecka.

In Dragon Ball video games, Zeni almost universally serves as the in-game currency for purchasing items, techniques, and equipment. The Budokai series, Xenoverse games, Dokkan Battle, FighterZ, Legends, and Kakarot all use Zeni as their primary economic system. Mr. Satan's association with money is further emphasized through collectible "Hercule Badges" in the Xenoverse games, which can be exchanged for Zeni at shops.