TES5 Skyrim AE: treasure

In The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Anniversary Edition (TES5SAE) without mods, certain types of dungeons and surface regions tend to yield better treasure in terms of value-to-weight ratio. Here are the most lucrative areas to explore:

Dwemer Ruins

Dwemer ruins typically offer the best value-to-weight ratio for loot due to the abundance of valuable, lightweight items:

• Dwarven metal ingots: High value, relatively low weight
• Dwemer scrap metal: Can be smelted into valuable ingots
• Soul gems: Often found in these ruins, high value-to-weight ratio
• Dwemer artifacts: Lightweight and valuable for selling or decorating homes

Nordic Tombs

Ancient Nordic tombs, while dangerous, often contain valuable loot:

• Draugr: Often carry valuable weapons and armor
• Word Walls: Provide Dragon Shouts and are usually near valuable loot
• Unique artifacts: Many quest-related items found in these locations

Falmer Hives

While challenging, Falmer-inhabited areas often yield:

• Chaurus Chitin: Used in valuable alchemy recipes
• Falmer armor and weapons: Lightweight and valuable when improved
• Gems: Falmer often carry various precious stones

Dragon Lairs

Dragon lairs, marked by word walls, often contain:

• Dragon bones and scales: Heavy but extremely valuable
• Unique weapons and armor: Often found in nearby chests
• Word Walls: Provide valuable Dragon Shouts

Bandit Strongholds

Bandit camps and forts can be surprisingly lucrative:

• Lockboxes and safes: Often contain gems and gold
• Enchanted weapons and armor: High value-to-weight ratio when found

Surface Regions

Certain surface areas are known for valuable loot:

• The Reach: Rich in silver ore veins and Forsworn camps with unique loot
• Solstheim (from the Dragonborn DLC): Contains valuable Black Books and unique Dunmer artifacts
• Blackreach: A massive underground area rich in rare ores, soul gems, and Dwemer artifacts

Treasure Maps

Following treasure maps can lead to hidden chests with high-value loot[5][8]. These are often located in scenic areas and can contain items scaled to the player's level.

Merchant Chests

While not intended as part of regular gameplay, certain merchant chests hidden in the game world contain valuable items with high value-to-weight ratios[11][14]. However, accessing these may be considered exploiting game mechanics.

Best Value-to-Weight Items

When looting, prioritize these items for the best value-to-weight ratio[6][19]:

1. Flawless gems (especially diamonds)
2. Jewelry (rings and necklaces)
3. Enchanted items, particularly those with valuable enchantments like Banish
4. Potions and poisons
5. Soul gems (filled)
6. Lightweight unique artifacts

Remember that as you level up, the quality and value of loot will generally increase, making dungeon delving more profitable at higher levels. Additionally, perks in the Speech skill tree can significantly increase the value you receive when selling items, further improving your loot's value-to-weight ratio.

Sources
[1] How can I optimize my inventory for weight vs. value in Skyrim? https://gaming.stackexchange.com/questions/35418/how-can-i-optimize-my-inventory-for-weight-vs-value-in-skyrim
[2] Skyrim Anniversary Edition: Guide to the 13 Treasure Maps of Skyrim! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yq3L83_ylEY
[3] Skyrim: 10 Best Barrows To Loot - TheGamer https://www.thegamer.com/skyrim-best-barrows-loot-treasure-gear-drops/
[4] Skyrim Anniversary Edition: Best Start Guide! - YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n6SfpCAy6XQ
[5] Treasure Maps - The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Guide - IGN https://www.ign.com/wikis/the-elder-scrolls-5-skyrim/Treasure_Maps
[6] Skyrim: The 30 Best Merchants, Ranked - Game Rant https://gamerant.com/skyrim-best-merchants-ranked/
[7] What loot has the highest value to weight ratio in D&D? https://rpg.stackexchange.com/questions/206873/what-loot-has-the-highest-value-to-weight-ratio-in-dd
[8] Skyrim: Every Treasure Map (& Where They Lead) - Game Rant https://gamerant.com/skyrim-every-treasure-map-where-they-lead/
[9] 10 Best Loot Locations In Skyrim We All Loved - YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FXW90RQU3Qs
[10] What is your value/weight ratio rule for looting? : r/skyrim - Reddit https://www.reddit.com/r/skyrim/comments/4q2vlr/what_is_your_valueweight_ratio_rule_for_looting/
[11] TOP 5 Most Valuable Hidden Chests #1 (Secret Chests in Skyrim) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qOYlH6eJBAQ
[12] 10 BEST & COOLEST UNIQUES (+LOCATIONS) in Skyrim ... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HnEd8QpWFyg
[13] Skyrim: The 18 Most Exceedingly Rare Items In The Game https://gamerant.com/elder-scrolls-skyrim-rarest-weapons-items/
[14] 7 Skyrim hidden chest locations that will help you get rich quick https://www.gamesradar.com/skyrim-hidden-chests/
[15] This is the loot with the most value that I've ever gotten in Skyrim. But ... https://www.reddit.com/r/skyrim/comments/1b048y/this_is_the_loot_with_the_most_value_that_ive/
[16] Effective Looting in Skyrim: Value/Weight - YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dG46aYUdIxg
[17] List of free valuable stuff in Skyrim - Reddit https://www.reddit.com/r/skyrim/comments/lmjl7t/list_of_free_valuable_stuff_in_skyrim/
[18] A Simple Tip for Money-Making - UESP Forums • View topic https://en.uesp.net/forums/viewtopic.php?f=38&t=28298
[19] Guide :: Value-to-Weight Ratios for Common Early Game Loot https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2221788151

In vanilla The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Anniversary Edition (TES5SAE), certain Dwemer items are particularly valuable for crafting, smelting, or have a high price-to-weight ratio. Here's a breakdown of the most valuable items and those best avoided:

Valuable Dwemer Items

For Smelting

1. Small Dwemer Plate Metal

   • Weight: 2
   • Produces: 3 Dwarven Metal Ingots
   • Ingot/Weight Ratio: 1.5
   • Highly efficient for smelting

2. Large Dwemer Plate Metal

   • Weight: 2
   • Produces: 3 Dwarven Metal Ingots
   • Ingot/Weight Ratio: 1.5
   • Equally efficient as Small Dwemer Plate Metal

3. Bent Dwemer Scrap Metal

   • Weight: 2
   • Produces: 3 Dwarven Metal Ingots
   • Ingot/Weight Ratio: 1.5
   • Another top choice for smelting

4. Solid Dwemer Metal

   • Weight: 25
   • Produces: 5 Dwarven Metal Ingots
   • Ingot/Weight Ratio: 0.2
   • Less efficient, but still valuable due to high ingot yield

For Crafting

1. Dwarven Metal Ingots

   • Essential for crafting Dwarven armor and weapons
   • Required for Dwarven Smithing perk

2. Centurion Dynamo Core

   • Used in the Atronach Forge to create Daedric equipment
   • High value (200 gold) and unique properties make it worth keeping

High Price/Weight Ratio (≥10:1)

1. Small Dwemer Plate Metal

   • Value: 15
   • Weight: 2
   • Ratio: 7.5:1 (close to 10:1)

2. Dwarven Oil

   • Value: 15
   • Weight: 0.5
   • Ratio: 30:1
   • Useful for alchemy

Items to Avoid

1. Large Dwemer Strut

   • Weight: 20
   • Produces: 3 Dwarven Metal Ingots
   • Ingot/Weight Ratio: 0.15
   • Inefficient for smelting due to high weight

2. Large Decorative Dwemer Strut

   • Weight: 25
   • Produces: 2 Dwarven Metal Ingots
   • Ingot/Weight Ratio: 0.08
   • Very inefficient for smelting

3. Dwemer Cog, Gyro, Gear, Lever, etc.

   • Cannot be smelted in vanilla game
   • Low value-to-weight ratio
   • Best sold or left behind

4. Dwemer Dishes, Cups, Pans, etc.

   • Cannot be smelted in vanilla game
   • Low value-to-weight ratio
   • Best sold or left behind

5. Dwemer Scrap Metal

   • Cannot be smelted in vanilla game
   • Low value-to-weight ratio
   • Often confused with Bent Dwemer Scrap Metal, which is valuable

When looting Dwemer ruins, prioritize Small and Large Dwemer Plate Metal and Bent Dwemer Scrap Metal for the best smelting efficiency. Avoid heavy struts and non-smeltable items unless you specifically need them for decoration or have excess carrying capacity[1][5][6].

Sources
[1] What's the exhaustive set of items I can use to make Dwarven Metal ... https://gaming.stackexchange.com/questions/46471/whats-the-exhaustive-set-of-items-i-can-use-to-make-dwarven-metal-ingots
[2] What is your value/weight ratio rule for looting? : r/skyrim - Reddit https://www.reddit.com/r/skyrim/comments/4q2vlr/what_is_your_valueweight_ratio_rule_for_looting/
[3] What Dwemer scrap is smeltable? : r/skyrim - Reddit https://www.reddit.com/r/skyrim/comments/18go2h4/what_dwemer_scrap_is_smeltable/
[4] Skyrim:Dwarven - UESPWiki https://pt.uesp.net/wiki/Skyrim:Dwarven
[5] Maximum Profit Guide For Dwemer Ruins - Skyrim Forums https://skyrimforum.com/forum/threads/maximum-profit-guide-for-dwemer-ruins.13824/
[6] Skyrim:Dwarven - The Unofficial Elder Scrolls Pages (UESP) https://en.uesp.net/wiki/Skyrim:Dwarven
[7] What does the weight:value ratio need to be for you to loot something? https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/boards/615803-the-elder-scrolls-v-skyrim/66319752?page=1
[8] Dwarven Weapons Crafting Guide - "The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim" https://standardof.net/games/skyrim/crafting/dwarven-weapons/
[9] What does the weight:value ratio need to be for you to loot something? https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/boards/615803-the-elder-scrolls-v-skyrim/66319752?page=1
[10] Skyrim:Dwarven - The Unofficial Elder Scrolls Pages (UESP) https://en.uesp.net/wiki/Skyrim:Dwarven
[11] Dwarven Metal Ingot - The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Guide - IGN https://www.ign.com/wikis/the-elder-scrolls-5-skyrim/Dwarven_Metal_Ingot
[12] Dwemer Metal .. Is it any use to me? :: The Elder Scrolls V https://steamcommunity.com/app/72850/discussions/0/357284131785391768?l=french
[13] What is your value/weight ratio rule for looting? : r/skyrim - Reddit https://www.reddit.com/r/skyrim/comments/4q2vlr/what_is_your_valueweight_ratio_rule_for_looting/
[14] Dwemer items? - The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Q&A for Xbox 360 https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/xbox360/615803-the-elder-scrolls-v-skyrim/answers/310824-dwemer-items
[15] What's the exhaustive set of items I can use to make Dwarven Metal ... https://gaming.stackexchange.com/questions/46471/whats-the-exhaustive-set-of-items-i-can-use-to-make-dwarven-metal-ingots
[16] Dwemer and Dwarven Scrap Tweaks at Skyrim Special Edition Nexus https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/109577

In The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Anniversary Edition (TESVSAE), there are several ways to obtain a crossbow early in the game with minimal effort:

Join the Dawnguard

The most straightforward method to acquire a crossbow is by joining the Dawnguard faction:

1. Wait until you reach level 10, at which point you'll receive the "Dawnguard" quest[6].
2. Travel to Fort Dawnguard, located southeast of Riften.
3. Speak to a woman in the courtyard area, who will give you a free plain crossbow[4].

Visit the Fletcher in Solitude

With the Anniversary Edition content, you can purchase crossbows from the Fletcher in Solitude:

1. Travel to Solitude and locate the Fletcher's shop.
2. Browse their inventory for various types of crossbows, including Imperial, Orcish, and even Daedric crossbows[7][13].
3. The Fletcher replenishes their stock every two days, so check back regularly for different options[7].

Explore Ironback Hideout

To obtain elite crossbows:

1. Travel to Ironback Hideout, located northwest of Solitude[2].
2. Read Kragrash's letter to start the "Night Hunter" quest[2].
3. Complete the quest to gain access to a hidden cellar containing unenchanted ebony and elven crossbows[2].

Steal from the Solitude Fletcher

For a riskier but quicker option:

1. Go to the Fletcher's shop in Solitude.
2. Locate the display case in the back of the shop.
3. Steal the Daedric crossbow from the case[6].

Visit the Drunken Huntsman in Whiterun

Another potential source for crossbows:

1. Go to the Drunken Huntsman in Whiterun.
2. Check Elrindir's inventory for Imperial or Orcish crossbows, though availability may vary[6].

These methods provide quick access to crossbows early in the game, allowing you to start your archery-focused playthrough with minimal effort. The Dawnguard and Solitude Fletcher options are particularly reliable for obtaining crossbows without extensive questing or high-level requirements[1][4][6][7].

Sources
[1] Skyrim Best Weapons - How to get Daedric crossbow at Level 1! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TbaBvA7_WWA
[2] Skyrim:Elite Crossbows - The Unofficial Elder Scrolls Pages (UESP) https://en.uesp.net/wiki/Skyrim:Elite_Crossbows
[3] Skyrim Early Game Archer Guide - YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e64kCQY-CDo
[4] Crossbow - The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Guide - IGN https://www.ign.com/wikis/the-elder-scrolls-5-skyrim/Crossbow
[5] Skyrim New Best Crossbow Location (Hidden Vampire ... - YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t1382epYG-0
[6] Where are the crossbows? : r/skyrim - Reddit https://www.reddit.com/r/skyrim/comments/14d5ltf/where_are_the_crossbows/
[7] SKYRIM CROSSBOWS - How to Get Elite And Expanded ... - YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eUmaZOhraCw
[8] Skyrim:Expanded Crossbow Pack - The Unofficial Elder Scrolls Pages https://en.uesp.net/wiki/Skyrim:Expanded_Crossbow_Pack
[9] Crossbow tips - The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim - GameFAQs https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/boards/615803-the-elder-scrolls-v-skyrim/68015641
[10] Early Enhanced Dwarven Crossbow - The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/boards/615805-the-elder-scrolls-v-skyrim/75047899
[11] Where to Find Elite And Expanded Crossbows! Anniversary Edition ... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-BbXzEwNwwo
[12] Where do you find the crossbow? - The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/boards/615803-the-elder-scrolls-v-skyrim/63229372
[13] Skyrim | How To Get The NEW CROSSBOWS! | Anniversary Edition https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gFjarEettZo
[14] Part 3 - How to Get a DAEDRIC CROSSBOW Early Game - YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nY7BLLdMhFk

In The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Anniversary Edition, there are several effective methods to obtain gold quickly and easily in the early game:

Alchemy

Alchemy is one of the most lucrative skills for earning gold in Skyrim. Here's how to maximize your profits:

• Gather common ingredients like Blue Mountain Flower and Wheat near Whiterun[1][3].
• Craft Restore Health potions using these ingredients[5].
• Sell the potions to merchants, using the profits to buy more ingredients and repeat the process[5].
• As your Alchemy skill improves, you can create more valuable potions, eventually crafting high-value Invisibility potions[5].

Transmutation and Smithing

This method combines magic and crafting to turn cheap materials into valuable items:

• Obtain the Transmute spell tome from Halted Stream Camp, northwest of Whiterun[5][6].
• Mine iron ore or purchase it from blacksmiths[5][10].
• Use the Transmute spell to convert iron ore into silver, then into gold ore[5][10].
• Smelt the gold ore into ingots and craft gold jewelry[5][10].
• For maximum profit, use any gems you find to create more valuable jewelry pieces[7].

Enchanting

Combine enchanting with smithing to increase your profits:

• Craft iron daggers or other cheap items[5].
• Enchant these items with valuable enchantments like Banish or Paralyze[3].
• Sell the enchanted items to merchants for a significant profit[3].

Theft and Pickpocketing

For those willing to take risks:

• Join the Thieves Guild in Riften to gain access to fences for selling stolen goods[10].
• Focus on stealing valuable items like jewelry from NPCs[10].
• Complete Thieves Guild quests for additional income[10].

Mining and Crafting

A straightforward method that doesn't require special skills:

• Mine iron ore from locations like Embershard Mine near Riverwood[12].
• Smelt the ore into ingots and craft iron daggers[5].
• Sell the daggers to blacksmiths and general goods merchants.

Questing and Exploration

While not as quick as other methods, this approach can be rewarding:

• Complete side quests for various NPCs to earn gold rewards.
• Explore caves and dungeons, looting valuable items to sell.
• Join factions like the Companions or the Dark Brotherhood for additional quest opportunities and rewards[10].

Remember to invest in the Speech skill and related perks to get better prices when selling items. Additionally, using the Shrine of Zenithar or wearing amulets of Zenithar can improve your buying and selling prices[3].

By combining these methods, you can quickly amass a significant amount of gold in the early stages of Skyrim, setting yourself up for success throughout the rest of the game.

Sources
[1] Skyrim Money-Making Guide: The Best Ways To Earn (And Save) Gold https://www.thegamer.com/skyrim-monkey-making-earn-save-gold/
[2] HOW TO GET GOLD IN SKYRIM ANNIVERSARY EDITION 2022 ... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=--jUtv8IwJM
[3] Skyrim: 23 Ways To Get Rich Fast (Without Using Glitches) https://gamerant.com/skyrim-ways-to-get-rich-fast-without-glitches/
[4] 5 Ways to MAKE GOLD at LOW LEVEL in Skyrim [Elder Scrolls Guide] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HoCF9_J5ikc
[5] What are the best ways to get gold quickly. - skyrim - Reddit https://www.reddit.com/r/skyrim/comments/6mzi2x/what_are_the_best_ways_to_get_gold_quickly/
[6] SKYRIM RM: How To Make Gold Early In Game! (Expert Tips) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0JvJ2Cv0Ni0
[7] Skyrim - The BEST Money Making Guide + Tips and Tricks - YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HV82kA8AH0Q
[8] How to Earn Lots of Gold Early in Skyrim - Screen Rant https://screenrant.com/skyrim-gold-earn-early-guide/
[9] Easy Gold? - The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Anniversary Edition Q&A ... https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/xbox360/329084-the-elder-scrolls-v-skyrim/answers/299849-easy-gold
[10] Skyrim Gold - the best, fastest methods for how to earn money and ... https://www.eurogamer.net/skyrim-gold-the-best-fastest-methods-for-how-to-earn-money-and-coins-in-skyrim
[11] Skyrim - 2024 | Anniversary Edition - YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uiThZomDjTw
[12] How do I make money in early game? : r/skyrim - Reddit https://www.reddit.com/r/skyrim/comments/7e4rmd/how_do_i_make_money_in_early_game/
[13] easy money early on - The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim - GameFAQs https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/boards/615804-the-elder-scrolls-v-skyrim/61369398

In The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Anniversary Edition (TESV:AE), certain Dwemer items are valuable for crafting while others are primarily useful for selling. Here's a breakdown of the most useful Dwemer loot:

Crafting Materials

The following Dwemer scrap items can be smelted into Dwarven Metal Ingots, which are crucial for crafting Dwarven armor and weapons:

• Small Dwemer Plate Metal (3 ingots, 2 weight)[1][3]
• Large Dwemer Plate Metal (3 ingots, 2 weight)[1][3]
• Bent Dwemer Scrap Metal (3 ingots, 2 weight)[1][3]
• Solid Dwemer Metal (5 ingots, 25 weight)[3]

These first three items have the best ingot-to-weight ratio of 1.5, making them the most efficient to collect for crafting purposes[15].

High Value-to-Weight Items (10:1 ratio or higher)

While many Dwemer items don't meet the 10:1 value-to-weight ratio, some valuable items found in Dwemer ruins do:

• Gems (various types, nearly weightless)[13]
• Dwarven Oil (25 value, 0.5 weight)[1]
• Centurion Dynamo Core (250 value, 10 weight)[2]

Other Considerations

• Soul Gems: Often found in Dwemer ruins, these have a high value-to-weight ratio and are useful for enchanting[1][6].
• Dwemer Artifacts: Items like bowls, cogs, and gears cannot be smelted but can be sold for a decent profit[1].
• Enchanted Dwemer Items: These often have a higher value-to-weight ratio than their unenchanted counterparts[11].

Remember that as you progress in the game, you may want to adjust your value-to-weight threshold. Many players start with a 10:1 ratio and increase it as they accumulate wealth[13].

For maximizing profit from Dwemer ruins, focus on collecting the smeltable scrap items for crafting, high-value gems and soul gems, and any unique or enchanted items you encounter. The Dwarven Storeroom near Mzulft is an excellent location to farm these materials quickly and safely[1].

Sources
[1] Dwarven Materials - The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Guide - IGN https://www.ign.com/wikis/the-elder-scrolls-5-skyrim/Dwarven_Materials
[2] Maximum Profit Guide For Dwemer Ruins - Skyrim Forums https://skyrimforum.com/forum/threads/maximum-profit-guide-for-dwemer-ruins.13824/
[3] Skyrim:Dwarven - The Unofficial Elder Scrolls Pages (UESP) https://en.uesp.net/wiki/Skyrim:Dwarven
[4] More Interesting Loot for Skyrim - Nexus Mods https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/48869
[5] What items do you keep? What do you sell? : r/skyrim - Reddit https://www.reddit.com/r/skyrim/comments/1941yz1/what_items_do_you_keep_what_do_you_sell/
[6] Skyrim:Making Money - The Unofficial Elder Scrolls Pages (UESP) https://en.uesp.net/wiki/Skyrim:Golden_Touch_(achievement)
[7] is there any use for dwemer items? - The Elder Scrolls V - GameFAQs https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/boards/615805-the-elder-scrolls-v-skyrim/61029542
[8] Q: Is there a list for what you can do with Dwemer Loot? https://steamcommunity.com/app/489830/discussions/0/3808409963282776363/
[9] What are the "special items" Delvin is looking for? - Arqade https://gaming.stackexchange.com/questions/41586/what-are-the-special-items-delvin-is-looking-for
[10] Furniture Plans and you. How to farm them? — Elder Scrolls Online https://forums.elderscrollsonline.com/en/discussion/563388/furniture-plans-and-you-how-to-farm-them
[11] Skyrim:Dwarven - The Unofficial Elder Scrolls Pages (UESP) https://en.uesp.net/wiki/Skyrim:Dwarven_Metal_Ingot
[12] Skyrim:Dwarven - UESPWiki https://pt.uesp.net/wiki/Skyrim:Dwarven
[13] What is your value/weight ratio rule for looting? : r/skyrim - Reddit https://www.reddit.com/r/skyrim/comments/4q2vlr/what_is_your_valueweight_ratio_rule_for_looting/
[14] Dwemer Item Value - Skyrim Special Edition - Nexus Mods https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/71354
[15] What's the exhaustive set of items I can use to make Dwarven Metal ... https://gaming.stackexchange.com/questions/46471/whats-the-exhaustive-set-of-items-i-can-use-to-make-dwarven-metal-ingots
[16] Dwarven Materials - The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Guide - IGN https://www.ign.com/wikis/the-elder-scrolls-5-skyrim/Dwarven_Materials

To quickly amass the ~117,600 septims required for Speech 90 training as a new character, prioritize these gold-farming methods that avoid quests and exploits:

1. Transmute Iron → Gold Jewelry (Fastest Early-Game)

Steps:

1. Acquire Transmute Spell:
   
   • Go to Halted Stream Camp (NW of Whiterun), clear bandits, and loot the spell tome from the mine.
     
2. Mine Iron Ore:
   
   • Mine all 34 iron veins in Halted Stream Camp (respawns every 10 in-game days).
     
3. Transmute to Gold:
   
   • Cast Transmute (Alteration) to convert iron → silver → gold ore (4 casts per gold ingot).
     
4. Craft Jewelry:
   
   • Smelt ore into ingots → craft Gold Rings (2 rings per ingot).
     
5. Sell for Profit:
   
   • Base value: 75 septims/ring. With Haggling perk (Speech 50), value rises to 150+ septims/ring.

Earnings:

• 34 iron ore → 34 gold ingots → 68 rings → 10,200 septims per cycle (before Speech perks).
  

2. Alchemy: Blue Mountain Flower + Wheat

Steps:

1. Collect Ingredients:
   
   • Blue Mountain Flower: Near Whiterun’s plains.
     
   • Wheat: Farms (e.g., Pelagia Farm) or purchased for 2 septims each.
     
2. Craft Potions:
   
   • Potion of Restore Health (Value: 50–120 septims).
     
3. Sell Strategically:
   
   • Use Amulet of Zenithar (+10% prices) and Blessing of Zenithar (+10%) from Riften’s shrine.
     

Earnings:

• 10 potions ≈ 1,200–2,400 septims (scales with Alchemy skill).
  

3. Golden Hills Plantation (Anniversary Edition)

Steps:

1. Unlock the Farm:
   
   • Complete the short quest “A Farmer’s Life for Me” (talk to NPCs near Rorikstead).
     
2. Plant High-Value Ingredients:
   
   • Creep Cluster + Mora Tapinella + Scaly Pholiota: Makes Potion of Fortify Carry Weight (1,500+ septims each).
     
3. Automate Harvesting:
   
   • Hire a steward (e.g., Erik the Slayer) to collect 2,000+ septims daily.
     

4. Enchanting: Banish Daedra

Steps:

1. Acquire Enchantment:
   
   • Disenchant a weapon with Banish Daedra (sold by blacksmiths or looted).
     
2. Enchant Iron Daggers:
   
   • Use petty soul gems (buy from court wizards).
     
3. Sell:
   
   • Base value: 1,200–1,800 septims/dagger (Speech 15–50).
     

Earnings:

• 10 enchanted daggers ≈ 12,000–18,000 septims.
  

Optimization Table

Speech Training Cost Mitigation

• Haggling Perks: Invest in Haggling 5/5 (Speech 50) for +50% sell prices.
  
• Merchant Perk: Unlock Investor (Speech 70) to invest in vendors, increasing their gold reserves.
  
• Trainer-Merchants: Use blacksmiths like Adrienne (Whiterun) to sell jewelry after training.
  

Final Tally

• Total Gold Needed: ~117,600 septims.
  
• Optimal Path: Combine Transmute cycles (3–4 runs) with Alchemy/Enchanting.
  
• Time Estimate: 3–5 hours of focused farming.
  

This approach avoids quests, uses readily available resources, and synergizes skill leveling (Alteration/Smithing/Enchanting) with profit generation.

Sources
[1] What are the best ways to get gold quickly. - skyrim - Reddit https://www.reddit.com/r/skyrim/comments/6mzi2x/what_are_the_best_ways_to_get_gold_quickly/
[2] Skyrim:Making Money - The Unofficial Elder Scrolls Pages (UESP) https://en.uesp.net/wiki/Skyrim:Making_Money
[3] How to gain gold without exploits? - skyrim - Reddit https://www.reddit.com/r/skyrim/comments/67le4c/how_to_gain_gold_without_exploits/
[4] Skyrim Gold - the best, fastest methods for how to earn money and ... https://www.eurogamer.net/skyrim-gold-the-best-fastest-methods-for-how-to-earn-money-and-coins-in-skyrim
[5] Is there a way to make money without grinding potions or stuff like that https://www.reddit.com/r/skyrim/comments/se0kc8/is_there_a_way_to_make_money_without_grinding/
[6] Skyrim - The BEST Money Making Guide + Tips and Tricks - YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HV82kA8AH0Q
[7] Skyrim: 23 Ways To Get Rich Fast (Without Using Glitches) https://gamerant.com/skyrim-ways-to-get-rich-fast-without-glitches/
[8] SKYRIM FARMING ULTIMATE GUIDE - YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HcR7io7LTJg
[9] Early game gold making. - The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim - GameFAQs https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/boards/615803-the-elder-scrolls-v-skyrim/62059237
[10] BEST Skyrim Money Making Guide! | 2021 Easy Shop Reset Glitch ... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cIR3-EddsB8
[11] Skyrim Money-Making Guide: The Best Ways To Earn (And Save) Gold https://www.thegamer.com/skyrim-monkey-making-earn-save-gold/
[12] Good early source of gold that doesn't require levelling any skills? https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/boards/615804-the-elder-scrolls-v-skyrim/70074063
[13] Skyrim How To Get Gold FAST/EASY!!! - YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zion2TbKrBk
[14] Fastest way(s) of making gold? - The Elder Scrolls V - GameFAQs https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/ps3/615804-the-elder-scrolls-v-skyrim/answers/301560-fastest-ways-of-making-gold
[15] 8 MUST KNOW Glitches in Skyrim!! (Level up, Gold, Best Gear) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bcSz6RHzQi4
[16] Any Gold exploits? - The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim - GameFAQs https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/boards/615803-the-elder-scrolls-v-skyrim/68499691
[17] SKYRIM | INFINITE GOLD, XP, DUPLICATION AND ... - YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LnPBQgU4fEI
[18] Make lots of gold super fast and easy (glitches may be required) https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/boards/615804-the-elder-scrolls-v-skyrim/64004742
[19] Skyrim: How to Make Gold Fast - Game Rant https://gamerant.com/skyrim-how-make-gold-fast/
[20] Infinite Gold In 30 Minutes! (Goldenhills Plantation is OP) - YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-sfjq1xgHCc
[21] 5 Ways to MAKE GOLD at LOW LEVEL in Skyrim [Elder Scrolls Guide] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HoCF9_J5ikc
[22] Skyrim - 2024 | Anniversary Edition - YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uiThZomDjTw