why do some cults have coins?

I grew up in a Childern of God commune, it messed up my life more then I thought, yes it was hell on earth but while youre living through it you think this is just my reality. I remember there would be a basement but more was like a brainwashing room. the smell of the carpet was actually the most stimulating thing in there. anyways this was just one of the several houses id visit. up stairs between the dining table and living room I remember they had this bamboo bowl of coins wondering "are these dollar coins?" no they werent, what ever it tied to the group. I dont know what they were for. im wondering if you guys know what I am talking about.

I began to finally remember everything that happened and I was mostly a "witness" of what theyd do in the living room. it was like yoga but in this satantic way. the way theyd all speak the adults, it was creepy, pure mind control. "right here, right there". over and over again. then a kid saying ..."no I did it". none of it made any sense. Im literally in shock. nobody talks about how bizarre it was. fuck im 21 right now and still trying to process it.