Following the Cataclysm, the energy contained in Soul Shards seems to have begun to dissipate*. It is expected this will ultimately render them inert and valueless. This is wreaking havoc on the economy within the Seal. The Oaken Bank has begun minting jade coins as a replacement, as jade has similar energy storing properties. Banking officials warn however, that it will take time for the economy to stabilize, especially given the refugee crisis and the immense cleanup and rebuilding effort in the weeks since the Cataclysm.
Volume 1, Edition 3
-Marius of The Leaf
*Article has been edited to more accurately reflect the prolonged nature of the energy depletion, rather than the anticipated rapid devaluation at the time of first publication.