the currency drop rate on PoE is punishing. Trading cards rarely drop anymore too. Over the couple years I've played the game the drop rate of has severely been cut. I've got thousands of hours in the game I'm sure and my highest level char is a level 86 hardcore. I think I've only seen about 3 exalt drops the whole time. When end game items sell for a few exalt each - I'm not sure how it's done.