APPENDIX VI

THE MONETARY SYSTEM OF FRANCE

The metric system on which the French Mint was worked throughout the period treated of in this work up to the Revolution was as follows:—

1 mark = 8 oz.

" = 64 gros. (8 × 8).

" = 192 dens. (64 × 3).

" = 4608 grs. (192 × 24).

An alternative subdivision of the ounce was as follows:—

1 oz. = 20 esterlings.

" = 320 mailles (20 × 16).

" = 640 felins (320 × 2).

For the alloy or standard the mark was thus subdivided:—

For gold mark = 24 carats each subdivided into 32 parts. For silver mark = 12 dens. each subdivided into 24 grms.

In France fine gold was only refined to 23 26⁄32 carats, and fine silver 11 deniers 18 grs. In calculation the absolute fineness of 24 carats and 12 deniers must be used.

The system of reckoning was as follows:—

1 livre = 20 sols.

1 sol. = 12 den.

1 den. = 2 oboles.

1 obole = 2 pites.

1 pite = 2 semipites.

The reckoning by livres, sols., deniers was derived from the Frankish kings. For a time the system of reckoning by the mark threatened to replace it, but in 1313 it was again authorised by Philippe le Bel.

The origin of the difference between the livres Tournois and the livres Parisis is to be sought in the feudal Mint franchises of the barons. At one time there was a difference between the two systems of 25 per cent., the barons who had the right of minting preferring to do so at Tours, or according to the Tours weight, which was the more depreciated of the two, while at Paris the French kings attempted to keep up a tradition of a better weight standard.[25]

The distinction of livres Tournois and livres Parisis was maintained until the days of Louis XIV., when (1667) it was abolished, and the reckoning by a single livre, sol., denier, was established. (For the intermediate experiment of Henry III. see text p. 87.)[26]

The monetary system of Charlemagne was the precursor and source of the chief currency systems of mediæval and modern Europe, with the exception of Spain. It was itself an imitation of the system of the Eastern Empire.

Its basis was the libra or pound, which occurs in two forms—(1) the gold pound, (2) the silver pound. Under the first race of the French kings the monetary divisions of the former were—

1. The gold solidus, a name which gave birth to the Spanish and Italian soldo and the French sol. (sou).

2. The third of the gold solidus (Triens or Tremissis).

Of the latter the aliquot parts were—

1. The silver solidus. 2. 1⁄3 silver solidus (Tremissis). 3. The denarius. 1 gold solidus = 3 1⁄3 silver solidi = 40 denarii. 1 silver solidus = 12 denarii

Under the system of the Eastern Empire the gold solidus had weighed 85 1⁄3 grs. and under the Merovingian Kings 70 1⁄2 grs. Under the rule of the Second House a considerable alteration took place. Charlemagne adopted for the basis of his system the East Frank or Rhenish libra, which was one-fourth heavier than the Roman libra adopted by the Merovings. His denarius accordingly weighed 32 grs. If ideally constructed the system, as far as silver is concerned, would be this—

12 denarii = 1 solidus. 20 solidi = 1 libra. 32 × 20 × 12 = 7680 grs. = 1 libra.

As far as the more precious metal is concerned, the gold solidus was, as a matter of fact, hardly to be met with under the second race. But, theoretically, it was still considered equal to 40 denarii.

40 × 32 = 1280 grs. 1280⁄12 = 106.6 grs. for the gold solidus.

But there are some actually met with containing 132 grs.

Sols d'or as a reminiscence of the first and second race are said to have still lingered in use at the commencement of the third race of kings. Under Philip I. they occur as francs d'or and florins d'or. In speaking of this latter term in the account of Florentine money (Appendix I. supra, p. 301), it has been pointed out as possible that it is merely the name for an ideal money, not an actual coin. (See however, preface, p. xiii.)

The actual reinstitution of gold monies in France has been already dealt with (text, p. 10). Of the species of the gold monies it would be almost an impossibility to speak.

Putting aside the disputed florin d'or, the first authenticated type of the gold monies was the aignel d'or or denier d'or a l'aignel, so called from the lamb (agneau = aignel), stamped on it. Under St. Louis, to whom it is first assigned, it weighed 3 deniers 5 grs., was of fine gold and worth 12 sols. 6 deniers Tournois.

Philippe le Bel, Louis Huttin, Philippe le Long, and Charles le Bel maintained this coin at the same weight and standard. Those of King John were of the same standard or fineness, but were slightly heavier, weighing 3 deniers 16 grs. Under Charles VI. and Charles VII. both weight and fineness were considerably reduced. Under the various names of agnels d'or, moutons d'or à la grande laine, moutons d'or à la petite laine, this species had currency in France for nearly two hundred years. The imitations of it in surrounding countries were almost numberless.

Royal (for the origin of the piece, see text, p. 10). Philippe le Bel minted petits royaux d'or fin, 70 to the mark and with an equivalence of 11 sols. Parisis. Gros royaux were the double of the petits royaux. Charles le Bel and Philippe de Valois struck royaux 58 to the mark. King John struck royaux or deniers d'or au Roial 66 and 69 to the mark, Charles V. 63 to the mark, and Charles VI. 64 and 70 to the mark.

Masses or chaises (cadieres, Royaux durs), were coined by Philippe le Bel, 22-carat fine and 5 deniers 12 grs. the piece. The chaises d'or of his successor varied greatly from these. Philippe de Valois coined them of fine gold, and 3 deniers 16 grs. the piece, and Charles VI. of fine gold 4 deniers 18 grs. the piece. Under Charles VII. the standard was reduced to 16 carats and the weight to 2 deniers 29 grs.

Of other early gold species it is sufficient to mention—

Reines,coined byPhilippe le Bel.

Florin George,"Philippe de Valois.

Parisis d'or,32 2⁄5to mark= 20 sols. Parisis.

Lion50to the mark.

Pavillon48"

Couronne45"

Ange or angelot33 2⁄5"

Denier d'or à l'écu54"

The last of these species (deniers d'or à l'écu) continued to be minted, and had wide currency through the reign of John up to their cessation in 1354. There was, however, great variation in the standard from fine gold to 23, 22 3⁄4, 21, and even 18 carats.

The reign of John was marked, 1361, by the commencement of the coining of the important franc d'or of fine gold, 63 to the mark = 20 sols. or 1 livre.

Its standard (of fine gold) was maintained under Charles V. and until Charles VII., but under the latter monarch the weight was reduced (to a tale of 80 to the mark).

Fleurs de lis d'or (or Florins d'or aux fleurs de lis) were first minted in 1365 by Charles V. They were of fine gold, and weighed exactly 1 gros. Being equivalent to the franc (i.e. equal to 1 livre or 20 sols.), it received the same name, being styled Franc à pied to distinguish it from the Franc d'or proper, which was styled Franc à cheval.

Saluts were first minted by Charles VI. in 1421 of fine gold, and of the same weight as the francs à cheval, but equal to 25 sols.

Couronnes or écus à la couronne were first coined by Charles VI. in 1384 of fine gold, weighing 3 deniers 4 grs. (i.e. 64 to the mark), and equal 22 sols.

This was the most celebrated gold coin of mediæval France. It lasted down to the time of the louis d'or, and was in high repute all over Europe.

Under Charles VI. and Charles VII. numerous changes were made in this piece both in weight and standard. At one time, under Charles VI., the standard fell as low as 16 carats. In 1436, however, they were again made of fine gold, but 70 to the mark, and issued at an equivalence of 25 sols. In 1455 they were issued 23 1⁄8 carats fine, 71 to the mark, and = 27 sols. the piece.

In 1473 Louis XI. issued them 72 to the mark; but two years later he began the issue of écus d'or au soleil (crowns of the sun), of the same fineness as the couronne, but slightly heavier (70 to the mark).

From the days of Charles VIII. the crown of the sun (écus d'or au soleil, also called écus au porc-epi) took the place of older crowns. Under Francis I. they were generally 23 carats fine and 71 1⁄6 to the mark, under Charles IX. 23 carats fine and 72 1⁄2 to the mark. At this latter they remained till the days of Louis XIV. The change of equivalence must be followed in the accompanying tables.

From the old écus à la couronne must be distinguished the écus heaumes, which were issued in small quantities under Charles VI., generally 48 to the mark and 22 carats fine.

Henris d'or occur only under Henry II., 23 carats fine, 2 deniers 20 grs. weight, and issued at an equivalence of 50 sols.

Louis d'or (see text, p. 91), first issued in 1640 under Louis XIII. in imitation of the Spanish standard; 22 carats fine, 36 1⁄4 to the mark, and = 10 livres. Standard and weight remained unchanged until 1709. See tables below for subsequent change.

Lis d'or have merely a transitory importance. They were issued in 1656 and shortly after, but almost immediately discontinued; 23 1⁄4 carats fine, 3 deniers 3 1⁄2 grs. the piece (60 1⁄2 to the mark) = 7 livres (to be distinguished as a third type from the fleurs de lys d'or of King John, and the separate fleur de lys d'or of Charles V.).

Silver Coins.

The silver deniers of the first royal race of France averaged 21 grs. in weight. Under the second race a much heavier system was adopted, those of Charlemagne weighing 28 grs., and those of Charles the Bold 32 grs. At the commencement of the third race they were still of fine silver, and weighed about 23 or 24 grs. The process of diminution by alloy and in weight began under Philippe I. For the question of the existence of a silver solidus, see Le Blanc, Introduction, p. xii. If they ever existed their place as a large silver specie was at an early date taken by that of the gros Tournois (called also gros deniers d'argent, gros deniers blancs, and sols d'argent), attributed to S. Louis; 11 deniers 12 grs. fine, 7 grs. weight (58 to the mark), and issued at an equivalence of 12 deniers or 1 sol.

In the commencement, therefore, of this piece the gros Tournois was synonymous with the sol. Tournois. With the degeneration of the standard, however, the coin (the gros) parted company from the sol., which remained as a system of reckoning.

Up to the time of Philippe de Valois this money continued of undiminished weight and standard, and of the greatest celebrity. When that prince, in 1343, returned to good money after a period of debasement, he coined the gros Tournois 60 to a mark, of fine silver, and at an equivalence of 15 deniers Tournois. For its subsequent course, see tables infra. It is noticeable that while in weight and value the gros Tournois was frequently changed, in fineness no diminution was made.

Parisis d'argent, issued only by Philippe de Valois (of fine silver, 4 deniers in weight = 15 deniers Tournois or 1 sol. Parisis).

Testoons are to be regarded as the successors of the gros Tournois. They were first issued by Louis XII. in 1513; 11 deniers 18 grs. fine, 7 deniers 12 1⁄3 grs. weight, and = 10 sols. This species continued until its interdiction by Henry III. in 1575, who replaced them in that year by.

Francs d'argent, 10 deniers 10 10⁄23 grs. fine, 11 deniers 1 grain weight (or 17 1⁄4 to the mark), and = 20 sols. This piece continued until the days of Louis XIII.

Quart d'écus, also issued by Henry III., 11 deniers fine, 7 deniers 12 1⁄2 grs. weight, and = 15 sols. (i.e. a quarter the value of the écu d'or, then set at 60 sols.). This piece endured till 1646.

Louis d'argent, issued by Louis XIII. (see p. 402, Louis d'or), 11 deniers fine, 21 deniers 8 grs. weight for the écus blancs. This money continued till the Revolution.

Lis d'argent, issued for a few months in 1656, 11 deniers 12 grs. fine, 6 deniers 5 grs. weight, and = 20 sols.

Franc, modern (see text, p. 176).

The history of the French monetary system has been briefly told in the text, pp. 10, 31-40, 83-95, 167-197. The tables of the present Appendix afford particular information as to the course of the above-mentioned coins, down to the last great change in the French system. They bring out also, in strong relief, the numerous and arbitrary and excessive debasements which that system underwent in the Middle Ages. The particular episode of the eighteenth-century depreciation, which followed upon the erection of the system of John Law, may be, in brief, more appropriately sketched here than in the text.

The third of the three great recoinages of 1689, 1693, and 1703 had left the louis d'or tariffed at an equivalence of 15 livres, and the louis d'argent at 4 livres. By the end of 1708 these figures had sunk to 12 livres 15 sols. and 3 livres 8 sols. respectively. By the decree of April 1709 quite a different standard was adopted. The louis d'or was minted 32 to the mark, 22 carats fine, and = 16 livres 10 sols., while the louis d'argent was minted 8 to the mark, 11 deniers fine, and = 4 livres 8 sols. In the month of May 1709 a second edict raised these equivalences to 20 livres and 5 livres respectively. The sufferings of French commerce under this extraordinary tariff led to its annulling by the decree of 30th September 1713, by which a reduction of equivalence was made to 14 livres and 3 livres 10 sols. respectively. In December of the same year a reformation was again attempted. The new species were of the same content and fineness as the old, but were tariffed at 20 livres for the louis d'or, and 5 livres for the louis d'argent, while the unreformed specie were tariffed at 16 livres and 4 livres respectively. Three years later began the period of the monetary disorder of the minority of Louis XV. In November 1716 a new louis d'or was issued, 20 to the mark, 22 carats fine. In May 1718 again a new issue took place—louis d'or 25 to the mark, 22 carats; louis d'argent 10 to the mark, 11 deniers fine.

There were thus, at the time, four different louis d'or in existence, namely:—

The oldlouis d'or36 1⁄4to themark.

The oldlouis d'orof 170930""

""1715

""171620""

""171825""

And similarly three kinds of louis d'argents or écus:—

The oldlouisd'argent9to themark.

The oldlouisd'argent of17098""

"""1715

"""171810""

On the 25th July 1719 the Compagnie des Indes obtained the profit and farm of the French Mint for a term of nine years. The first outcome of their activity was the issue of the following tariff:—

Livres.Sols.Deniers.

Écu of 17185134

Louis d'argent of 1709718

Old louis d'or3400

Old louis d'or of 17092868

In the same year (1719, the first of their lease) this corporation further issued quite new species, namely, Quinzains d'or = 15 livres, and livres d'argent = 1⁄6-écu (both being cut at a tale of 65 5⁄11 to the mark). On the 5th March 1720 all the species were raised 41 3⁄11 per cent., the louis d'or of 1709 thus rising to an equivalence of 40 livres, and the louis d'argent of the same issue to 10 livres. On the 11th March 1720 the use of the gold specie was forbidden, and a recoinage determined on. These regulations, however, were not carried out, and by July the louis d'or had risen to 60 livres (= 1963 7⁄17 livres to the mark of fine gold), and the louis d'argent to 15 livres (= 130 10⁄11 livres to the mark of fine silver). The same enhancement prevailed in the divisional coin, and the confusion endured till the end of 1720. In September the louis d'or had fallen to 45 livres (= 1472 8⁄11 livres to the mark of fine gold), and the louis d'argent to 11 livres 5 sols. (= 98 2⁄11 livres to the mark of fine silver). At the same time (September) a new fabrication of species, according to the standard of 1718, was undertaken. Louis d'or, 25 to the mark, to issue at 54 livres; louis d'argent (or 1⁄3-écu), 30 to the mark, to issue at 3 livres. But from the 24th October a gradual diminution in this tariff was prescribed, and from the 1st of January 1721 these coins were to circulate respectively at 45 livres and 2 livres 10 sols. From the same date the louis d'or of 1709 was to circulate for 22 livres 10 sols., and the louis d'argent of 1709 for 5 livres 12 sols. 6 deniers.

On the 5th January 1721 the contract for coinage held by the Compagnie des Indes was annulled, and an intermediate attempt at reform was made in 1723, when the louis d'or was minted at 37 1⁄2 to the mark = 27 livres, and the louis d'argent at 10 3⁄8 to the mark = 6 livres 18 sols. The downward course of the specie set strongly in, and by 1726 they had fallen to 12 livres and 3 livres respectively. This facilitated the great reform and recoinage of 1726 (see text, p. 169). This recoinage was carried out on the basis of the edict of 1709—

Louis d'or, 30 to the mark = 20 livres. Louis d'argent, 8 to the mark = 5 livres.

By the edict of May of the same year their equivalence was raised 20 per cent.—the louis d'or to 24 livres, the louis d'argent to 6 livres.

TABLE OF THE FRENCH GOLD COINS.

(Up to 1689, from Le Blanc; 1690 onwards, continued from various sources.)

Date.Price of Mark of Gold. Species. Standard. Tale per Mark. Value.

Liv.Sol.Den. Sol.Den.

1226 (S. Louis) ... AgnelFine gold59 1⁄6 12 6

1295 (Philippe le Bel) ... Gros royal ... ... 25 0

1305 44 0 0 Petit royalFine gold[G]70 13 9

1308,April 16 44 00 Chaise ... ... 25 0

1310,August 12 4910 0 Masse 22 carat34 1⁄2 30 0

1310,January 22 55 11 9 Agnelet Fine gold59 1⁄6 200

1312,August 24 55 10 4 ... ... ... 15 0

1314 (Louis Huttin), August 25 ... ... ... ... 20 0

1314,November 29 5510 0 ... ... ... ...

1315,May6 ... Agnelet Fine gold59 1⁄6 20 0

"January15 450 0 ... ... ... 15 0

1316 (Philippe le le Long), Easter 38 00 ... ... ... 126

December8 55 10 0 Agnelet Fine gold59 1⁄6 20 0

1321 (Charles le Bel),

February 20 58 0 0 Agnel[H] "59 1⁄6 200

1322,October15 536 9 ... ... ... 18 9

1325,February16 67 10 0 Royal double Fine gold 58 25 0

1329 (Philippe de Valois), Dec. 26 ... Parisis "33 2⁄5 37 6

... ... Royal double " 58 22 6

1330, April 8 (poste monnaie) 41 13 0 Parisis "33 2⁄5 25 0

... Royal double ... ... 15 0

... Agnel ... ... 147

1331,January 9 39 00 Royal ... ... 22 6

1332,April19 ... ... ... ... 15 0

(Tournois)

1336,February1 500 0 Écu Fine gold 54 20 0

1338,November14 58 0 0 Lion " 50 25 0

1339,May 25 61 10 0 ... ... ... ...

"June 14 66 0 0 Pavillon Fine gold 48 300

"August 10 690 0 ... ... ... ...

"June20 71 00 ... ... ... ...

"February 7 82 0 0 Couronne Fine gold 45 40 0

"February15 86 0 0 ... ... ... ...

1340,April16 960 0 Double Fine gold 36 60 0

... ... Simple " 72 30 0

"May27100 0 0 Doubles 23 carat 30 60 0

"October7108 0 0 ... ... ... ...

"January 31114140 ... ... ... ...

"February 71150 0 AngesFine gold33 2⁄5 75 0

... ... Demi anges ...67 1⁄3 ...

1341,August23130 0 0 AngesFine gold38 1⁄3 75 0

"January19136 0 0 ... ... ... ...

1342,June 28168 0 0 ... ... 42 85 0

"September 161710 0 ... ... ... ...

"April10117 00 ÉcuFine gold 54 ...

1343,September 22 ... ... ... ... 450

(Forte monnaie) 43 6 8 ... ... ... 168

1344,March27 44 3 9 ... ... ... ...

1346,July17 500 0 ChaisesFine gold 52 20 0

"February24 72 0 0 ... ... ... ...

"March4 ... ... ... ... 30 0

1347,April6 75 0 0 ... ... ... ...

"April14 44 34 ÉcuFine gold 54 16 8

"September 27 750 0 ChaisesFine gold 52 30 0

"January11 51 10 0 Écu23 carat 54 189

1348,August30 ... ...22 3⁄4 carat ... 20 0

"March12 51 15 3 ...22 carat ... 25 0

1349,May23 52 1 6 ...21 carat ... 25 0

"December 5 530 0 ... ... ... ...

1350, April 22 (forte monnaie) ... ... ... ... 20 0

1350, September 1 (John I.) 53 189 Écu21 carat 54 18 9

1351,June 20 54 17 6 ...20 1⁄2 carat ... ...

"July 23 ... ...20 carat ... ...

"August 18 96 0 0 ... ... ... ...

"August 20 ... Fleur de LysFine gold 50 400

"September 17 565 0 Écu20 carat 54 18 9

"September 24 58 2 6 ...18 carat ... ...

"November 20 60 0 0 ... ... ... ...

"February 3 (forte monnaie) ... ... ... ... 15 0

1352,April 21 60189 ... ... ... ...

"May 18 ... ... ... ... 20 0

"January 18 60 17 6 ... ... ... ...

"February 3 ... ... ... ... 376

1353,May 1 ... ... ... ... 40 0

" October 26 (forte monnaie) 62 16 4 ... ... ... 15 0

1354,November 24 60 0 0 MoutonsFine gold 52 25 0

1355,June 3 615 0 ... ... ... ...

"June 19 62 10 0 ... ... ... ...

" January 3 (forte monnaie) ... Moutons ... ... 25 0

1356,November 25 ... Moutons ... ... 30 0

"January 25 63 26 " ... ... 25 0

1357,June 15 ...Petits moutonsFine gold 104 12 6

1358,August 31 7815 0 Royal " 66 25 0

"April 20 80 12 6 " " 69 25 0

1359, March 31 (forte monnaie) ... " ... ... 40 0

1360, January 12 (forte monnaie) 60 0 0 FrancFine gold 63 20 0

1361,April 23 60 0 0 ... ... ... ...

1363,July 29 610 0 ... ... ... ...

1364 (Charles V.), May 3 62 00 ... ... ... ...

1364,August 5 ... RoyalFine gold 63 20 0

"September 10 ... Franc " 63 20 0

1365,May 5 62 10 0 Fleur de Lis " 64 20 0

1381, (Charles VI.), ... ... ...

April 25 6010 0 " " 64 20 0

1384,March 18 65 10 0 Écu à la couronne ... 60 220

1386,August 31 66 0 0 ... ... ... ...

1387,February 28 66 10 0 ... ...61 1⁄3 22 6

1391,April 8 67 00 ... ... ... ...

1392, " 1 67 10 0 ... ... ... ...

1394,September 5 68 5 0 ... ... 62 22 6

1405,August 8 6815 0 ... ... ... ...

1407, February 11 68 5 0 ... ... ... ...

1411, November 7 70 0 0 ... ... 64 22 6

" February 12 ... ...23 11⁄28 carat ... ...

"March 5 70150 ... ... ... ...

1414,September 6 720 0 ... ... ... ...

1417,May 17 92 0 0 Moutons23 carat 96 200

"October 21 96 0 0 ... ... ... ...

" " 28 ... ...22 carat 96 20 0

"December 9 92 0 0 Écu heaume " 48 40 0

1418,July 2 9400 ... ... ... ...

"March 7150 0 0 Écu à la couronne23 carat 64 50 0

1419,June 18144 00 Moutons ... 96 300

"October 24 ... Chaises or doublesFine gold 40 80 0

"February 2617113 4 Écu à la couronne ... 67 50 0

... ... Moutons ... ... 26 8

Par.

1420,October 27 ... Doubles22 1⁄4 carat 40 80 0

1421 (forte monnaie), April 26 720 0 Écu à la couronneFine gold 66 22 6

"November 8 76 5 0 Saluts " 63 250

1422 (Charles VII.), January 20 ... Écu à la couronne22 1⁄2 carat 64 25 0

1423,May 22 84 0 0 ...Fine gold 68 25 0

"January 28 ... Moutons22 carat 96 20 0

"February 8 ... Franc à chevalFine gold 80 20 0

"July 1 79 0 0... ...... ...

1424,August 23 ... Écu à la couronne23 carat 67 22 6

"September 2 8700... ... 70 25 0

"November 3 ... Moutons22 carat 96 150

1425,October 3 ... Écu à la couronne23 " 64 25 0

"January 12 87 10 0... ... 70 ...

1426,August 27105 0 0... ...... ...

"September 11108 0 0 ...22 carat 70 30 0

"October 12... ...... 72 ...

"January 9 900 0... ...... ...

"January 17... ...23 carat 67 22 6

"March 19... ...... ... 25 0

1427,May 27 72 0 0... ...... 20 0

"July 19... ...21 carat 72 25 0

"August 28 90 00 ...22 " 70 25 0

"October 15 ... Moutons20 " 96 150

"November 20 80 0 0 Écu à la couronne20 " 70 200

"February 21 92 10 0 ...21 "... 20 0

1428,July 31 97 10 0 ...20 "... 250

"October 26 ... Moutons19 " 96 15 0

"April 88 0 0 Écu à la couronne18 " 70 20 0

"March 21050 0... ...... ...

1429,June 17... ...16 carat... 250

"November 14 (forte monnaie) 77 100 RoyalFine gold 64 25 0

1429,December 7 ... Écu à la couronne22 carat67 1⁄2 226

1430,July 7 97 0 0 Chaises16 " 68 200

"November 9 ... Écu à la couronne22 " 64 22 6

1431,May 30 7710 0 RoyalFine gold 64 25 0

"September 271020 0... ... 70 30 0

"February 9... ...... 64 25 0

"March 24 88 11 10 Écu à la couronne20 carat67 1⁄2 22 6

1432,January 16 78 15 0... ...... ...

"December 31 ... RoyalFine gold 64 25 0

1435,October 14103100 Écu à la couronne " 70 30 0

"February 21 865 0... ...... 25 0

1437,September 1 87 10 0... ...... ...

"November 22 92 10 0 ...21 carat 70 250

1438,April 30 86 5 0 ...Fine gold 70 25 0

1443,November 19 873 6... ...... ...

1444,December 17 87 100 ...23 1⁄4 carat 70 250

1445,September 24 88 7 6... ...... ...

1446, June 1 88 2 6 Écu à la couronne23 3⁄4 carat70 1⁄2 250

" January 21 97 15 0 ...23 1⁄2 "... 27 6

1447,July 27 97 57 1⁄2 ...23 1⁄4 "... ...

" October 27 9715 0 ...23 1⁄2 "... ...

1450,June 15 990 0 ...23 1⁄8 "... ...

" February 3 99 50... ...... ...

1454,May 18 99 10 0... ...... ...

1456,June 26100 0 0... ... 71 ...

1472 (Louis XI.), March 12... ...... ... 284

1473, June 181030 0... ...... ...

"January 8110 0 0... ... 72 30 3

1475, November 2118 10 0 Écu au soleil23 1⁄8 carat 70 33 0

1487 (Charles VII.), July 30 ... Écu à la couronne... ... 35 0

... ... Écu au soleil... ... 36 3

1488,April 24130 3 4... ...... ...

1497 (Louis XII.), April 7130 3 4 Écu au soleil... ... 36 3

1507,November 24 ... Écu au porc épi... ... 36 3

1514 (Francis I.), January 1 ... Écu au soleil... ... 36 3

1516, November27... "... ... 400

... ... Écu à la couronne... ... 39 0

1517,May 25 ... Écu au soleil... ... 36 3

1519,June 1014700 ...22 7⁄8 carat71 1⁄2 40 0

"August 18......23 "71 1⁄6 40 0

1532,March 5 ... ...... ... 45 0

1539,February24 ... Écu à la salemand23 carat71 1⁄6 45 0

1540, May 18165 7 6 Écu à la croisette... ... 45 0

1549 (Henry II.), January 23172 0 0 Henris23 carat 67 50 0

1561, (Charles IX.), August 30185 0 0 Écu au soleil23 carat72 1⁄2 50 0

1569,November 23 ... ... ... ... 53 0

1570, August 30 ... ... ... ... 54 0

1572, July 1 ... ... ... ... 520

1573, June 92000 0 ... ... ... 54 0

1574 (Henry III.) September 22 ... ... ... ... 58 0

1575,June 17 ... ... ... ... 60 0

"May 31222 0 0... ... ... 60 0

"June 15222 00 Écu au soleil23 carat72 1⁄2 65 0

"November 20 ... ... ... ... 60 0

1602 (Henry IV.), September24010 0 ... ... ... 65 0

1615 (Louis XIII.), February 52786 6 ... ... ... 75 0

1630,February ... ...... ... 80 0

1631,August ... ...... ... 83 0

1633,July ... ...... ... 860

1636,March 5 ... ... ... ... 94 0

"May 8320 0 0... ... ... ...

"June 28 ... ... ... ... 104 0

"September 22384 0 0 ... ... ... ...

1640,April 3 ... Louis d'or22 carat36 1⁄4 200 0

1652 (Louis XIV.), April 4 ... ... ... ... 220 0

1655,December 23 ... Louis d'or23 1⁄4 carat60 1⁄2 140 0

1662,July 742310 11 ... ... ... ...

1679,April 10437 9 8 1⁄2 ... ... ... ...

1686, July 29437 7 5 Louis d'or ... ... 230 0

1687,October 27447 7 2 ... ... ... 225 0

(Pite)

1689,December 10 ... ... ... ... 232 0

... Écu d'or ... ... 120 0

1693514 1⁄11 00 Louis d'or ... ... 260 0

1703584 1⁄40 0 " ... ... 300 0

1708... "... ... 255 0

1709,April576 0 0 "22 carat 32 330 0

"May654 6⁄11 00 "... 30 400 0

1713,September 30... "... ... 280 0

"December... "... ... 400 0

1716,November... ...22 carat 22 ...

1718,May ... Louis d'or " 25 ...

1719,July 25927 3⁄11 0 0 "... ... 680 0

...100815 0Quinzains d'or... ... 300 0

1720, March 5 ... Louis d'or (of 1709)... ... 8000

" March 111963 7⁄1100 Louis d'or... ...1200 0

" September1472 8⁄11 0 0 "... ... 900 0

... ... "... 251000 0

1721,January 1... "... ... 9000

1723 ... " ...37 1⁄2 540 0

1726 ... " ... 240 0

" (Recoinage) 678 150 "22 carat 30 400 0

" May 740 91 "Raised 20 per cent... 480 0

... ... Écu ...... 120 0

1785,October 30 (recoinage) 828 12 0 Louis d'or22 carat 32 480 0

1803, March 283444 4⁄9 francs per kilog. fine = 3100 fcs. per kilog. 9⁄10 fine. 40 and 20-franc piecesIssue price being 3434 4⁄9 per kilog. and 3091 per kilog. 9⁄10 fine. ... ...

1830 November 8 ... 100 and 10-franc pieces ... ... ...

1850 ...10-franc piece ... ... ...

1835, February 25Mint change = 6 francs per kilog. ... ... ... ...

" June 30Issue price of kilog. of fine gold altered from 3434 4⁄9 fcs. to 3437 7⁄9 fcs. ... ... ... ...

TABLE OF FRENCH SILVER COINS.

(From the same sources, extended as above, p. 408.)

Date.Price of Mark of Silver.Name of Species.Alloy.Tale per Mark. Value.

Liv.Sol.Den.Den.Grs.Sol.Den.

11440400 ... ... ... ...

11580534 ... ... ... ...

12070500 ... ... ... ...

12220500 ... ... ... ...

12260547Gros Tournois 1112 58 012

12830540 ... ... ... ...

12850546 ... ... ... ...

12930610 ... ... ... ...

1295...Petits Tournois912 116 06

1296, May 20380 ... ... ... ...

1297, July 43100 ... ... ... ...

1298, May 253150 ... ... ... ...

1299, June 73180 ... ... ... ...

1302, April 23480 ... ... ... ...

" February 2540 ... ... ... ...

1303, August 15600 ... ... ... ...

1304, May 7650 ... ... ... ...

" June 256140 ... ... ... ...

" September 86150 ... ... ... ...

" December 13750 ... ... ... ...

" March 17100 ... ... ... ...

1305, April 188100 ... ... ... ...

1306, October 12156 ... ... ... ...

(forte monnaie)... ...

1308, April 162190Gros Tournois 1112 58 012

1310, January 20376Bourgeois Forte60 189 02

... Par.

1311, July 8 3 5 1 1⁄2Bourgeois 60 378 01

... Singles (Par.)

1313, June... ... ... ... 01

... Tour.

" September 192147Gros Tournois 1112 58 012

...... ...

...Denier Tournois318 220 01

... ...

......Denier Parisis 412 221 01

... Par.

1314, November 29247 ... ... ... ...

1315, May 6...Denier Parisis 412 221 01

... Par.

" January 15240Denier Tournois318 220 01

... Tour.

1317, March 1376Gros Tournois 1112 59 1⁄6 13

......Denier Parisis 412 282 01

1321, February 20376Gros Tournois 1112 59 1⁄6 13

1322, October 15389Denier Parisis 318 218 ...

" March 2400Obole Blanche 100 118 06

... Par.

1326, July 244100 ... 90 135 08

... Tour.

" January 20500 ... ... ... ...

1327 " 8580 ... ... ... ...

1328, November 75110 ... ... ... ...

1329, December 26440Gros Tournois ... ... 16

... Tour.

1330, April 82180 " 1112 60 10

(forte monnaie)... Tour.

......Gros Parisis 1112 48 10

... Par.

1331, January 92176 ... ... ... ...

1333, June 122156Denier Parisis 44 138 1⁄2 ...

1336, February 133126Gros à la 1016 96 110

... Couronne Tour.

1338, November 144120 " 80 96 010

" January 3500 ... ... ... ...

1339, August 19500 ... ... ... ...

" February 56150 ... 70 105 010

" April 6... ... 60 108 010

1340, August 1700 ... ... ... ...

" December 47100 ... ... ... ...

" January 278140Gros à la Fleur60 84 13

... de Lis ...

" February 8940 ... ... ... ...

" " 139120 ... 60 95 13

1342, June 3012100 ... 60 120 13

" September 71300 ... ... ... ...

1343, April 913100 ... ... ... ...

" September 229100 ... ... ... ...

......Gros Tournois 1112 60 39

" October 26340 ... ... ... 13

(forte monnaie)... ...

1344, February 16380 ... ... ... ...

1345, April 93106 ... ... ... ...

1346, July 174100Double Parisis 318 180 02

Par.

" January 27500 ... ... ... ...

" February 246150 ... ... ... ...

" March 3... ... 30 216 02

... Par.

1347, July 217100 ... ... ... ...

" January 114160Double Tournois38 183 1⁄3 02

... Tour.

1348, August 31500 ... 31 1⁄3 183 1⁄3 02

... Tour.

" December 31600 ... 212 200 02

... Tour.

1349, May 126130 ... ... ... ...

" August 76150 ... ... ... ...

" December 5770 ... ... ... ...

" January 207150 ... ... ... ...

1350, April 23500Double Parisis 312 168 02

(forte monnaie)... Par.

" August 23550 " 28 168 02

... Par.

" October 265120 ... ... ... ...

" February 5600 ... ... ... ...

" March 6680 ... ... ... ...

1351, May 176180Blancs 412 144 06

... Par.

" June 23780 ... ... ... ...

" August 188150 ... ... ... ...

" September 121000Blancs 40 144 06

... Par.

" October 1010100 ... ... ... ...

" December 161100 ... ... ... ...

" January 251200 ... ... ... ...

" February 414120Gros Tour. 48 87 1⁄4 08

... Blancs Tour.

" March 27560 ... ... ... ...

(forte monnaie)... ...

1352, June 2... ... ... ... ...

" July 24620 ... 40 100 08

... Tour.

" August 166100 ... ... ... ...

" October 246180 ... ... ... ...

" November 25800 ... 40 120 08

... Tour.

" December 31900 ... ... ... ...

" February 61000 ... ... ... ...

1353, April 221200 ... 312 140 08

Tour.

" July 3012150 ... ... ... ...

" August 213150 ... ... ... ...

" October 264150 ... ... ... ...

(forte monnaie)... ...

" November 27... ... 38 4⁄5 65 08

... Tour.

" February 5570 ... ... ... ...

" " 175170 ... ... ... ...

1354, April 266150 ... ... 96 08

... Tour.

" May 289120 ... 30 120 08

... Tour.

" July 510120 ... ... ... ...

" September 71200 ... ... ... ...

" November 24440Blanc à la 38 80 05

(forte monnaie)... Couronne Tour.

" January 234160 ... 212 ... ...

" April 4560 ... 30 120 ...

1355, May 206100 ... 212 ... ...

" July 67100 ... ... ... ...

" " 171000Blancs à la Couronne 39 72 13

" August 22... ... 30 ... ...

" August 261100 ... ... ... ...

" September 2812100 ... 30 80 ...

" October 91400 ... 30 100 ...

" November 101600 ... 212 100 ...

" December 151800 ... ... ... ...

" January 3550 ... ... ... ...

(forte monnaie)... ...

" January 5...Blanc à la Couronne 80 96 010

" " 16...Blanc à la Fleur de Lis 40 60 08

1356, August 36100 ... 30 90 ...

" September 19750 ... 30 112 1⁄2 ...

" October 288170 ... ... ... ...

" November 23780Gros 60 80 10

" " 28780Gros Blancs 40 80 10

" February 7... ... 30 112 1⁄2 10

" March 266100Gros à la Couronne 50 70 010

1357, January 238100Blanc à la Fleur de Lis 40 60 13

1358, May 91000 ... 38 ... ...

" July 11200 ... 30 64 ...

" August 813100 ... 30 96 ...

" August 306150Blancs à la Couronne 40 53 1⁄3 10

" November 13700 75 ...

" " 22800 30 75 ...

" December 38120 ...

" " 99100 ...

" February 22700 30 90 06

" " 27... 30 100 ...

1359, April 207100 30 120 ...

" May 2811100 212 150 ...

...Gros Blancs 30 72 13

" June 5900Blancs aux trois Fleurs de Lis 312 70 13

" June 12... 30 ...

" July 9... ...

" " 12... 215 ...

" " 311640 212 80 ...

" September 1822130 26 90 ...

" October 5... 112 1⁄2 ...

" " 222980 20 120 ...

" November 271200Gros à l'estoile 40 48 26

" December 51500 30 ...

" " 191890 ...

" " 3123126 ...

" January 224126 212 60 ...

" " 2234126 20 72 ...

" February 17... 80 ...

" " 2753176 100 ...

" March 477160 112 100 ...

" " 2110200 125 ...

" " 311100Gros Blancs 40 64 ...

(forte monnaie)... ...

1360, April 27... 30 ...

" May 4... 212 ...

" " 26... 20 ...

" June 2700Blancs à la Fleur de Lis 20 64 06

" " 27... 80 07 1⁄2

" " 28900 112 80 ...

" " 2910100 ...

" August 71500 100 ...

" " 181700 120 ...

" " 2218100 ...

" September 7700Blanc à la couronne 40 66 010

" October 22... ... 212 ... ...

" November 13800 ... ... ... ...

" " 19900 ... ... ... ...

" January 12580Blanc à la fleur de lis 412 54 010

" April 3500Gros Tournois 1112 84 13

(forte monnaie)... ...

1364, May 3500Gros d'argent 1112 84 13

1365, May 2550Blanc 40 96 05

1370, June 195150Gros d'argent 113 1⁄4 96 13

1372, August 95160 ... 1117 ... ...

1374 " 12... ... 116 ... ...

1378 " 19... ... 1117 ... ...

1381, April 16580Gros d'argent 116 96 13

" August 155160 ... ... ... ...

1384, March 22...Blanc à l'écu 60 75 010

1386, October 31... ... 512 74 1⁄2 ...

1389 " 305180 ... 512 ... ...

" July 4639 ... 512 ... 10

1391, April 8650 ... ... ... ...

1399, November 27680 ... ... ... ...

1401, July 26...Gros 90 81 13

1405 " 66126Blanc à l'écu 56 76 1⁄2 010

1411, November 56150 ... 50 80 ...

1413, July 12700Gros d'argent 1116 84 7⁄12 18

1414, June 26720Blanc à l'écu 50 80 010

1417, May 17800Gros 80 80 18

" October 21900 ... 58 ... ...

1418, May 289100 ... ... ... ...

" January 191000 ... ... ... ...

" March1400 ... ... ... ...

" " 716100 ... 38 ... ...

1419, February 17...Blanc 20 168 05

1420, April 91800 ... ... ... ...

" May 82600Gros 212 100 18

" February 11... ... ... ... ...

1421, April 26700Gros d'argent 1112 86 1⁄4 18

1422, October 307100Blanc 412 90 010

1423, December 31700 ... 50 80 ...

" March 10... ... 60 90 ...

1424 " 17...Blanc 50 80 010

1425, June 9650Gros 80 90 10

" August 17700 Blanc 40 128 05

" January 237100 Grand Blanc 90 96 13

" ; March 16750 Blanc 50 80 010

1426, May 288100 ... 40 ... ...

" August 209100 ... 38 ... ...

" November 191100 ... 30 81 ...

" January 11700 ... 412 72 ...

1427, August 26800 ... 40 80 ...

" October 48100 ... ... ... ...

1428, July 311100 ... 30 81 ...

" January 2413100 ... 28 84 ...

" March 21500 ... 20 ... ...

1429, May 4... ... 118 ... ...

" June 102000 ... 112 ... ...

" November 5700 ... 50 80 08

(forte monnaie)... ...

" January 16700 ... 50 80 010

1430, December 226150 Gros 1112 120 3⁄4 13

1431, January 9750 Blancs 50 80 010

1432, April 11961 ... ... ... ...

" August 229102 Gros 418 68 12

" September 299160 ... ... ... ...

" January 16750 ... ... ... ...

1434, May 28... Petit blanc 40 128 05

1435, September 22900 Blanc 40 80 010

" February 21700 ... 50 ... ...

1436, May 24... Blanc à l'écu 50 ... ...

" April 21780 ... ... ... ...

1437, November 27900 ... 38 ... ...

" April 37100 ... ... ... ...

1440780 ... ... ... ...

14417100 ... ... ... ...

1447, July 7800 Blanc à l'écu 421 82 3⁄4 010

" " 278100 Gros d'argent 1115 68 26

...7100 Blanc 50 90 010

1456, June 268100 " 412 81 010

...8150 Gros d'argent 1112 69 26

1465, July... ... ... 69 5⁄6 ...

...8100 Blanc 412 81 010

1473, January 81000 ... ... 86 011

...... Gros d'argent 1112 69 29

1475, November 2...Blanc au soleil412 78 1⁄2 10

1488, April 241100Blanc au soleil412 78 1⁄2 11

1497 " 71100Blanc à la couronne 412 86 10

1513 " 612100Testoons 1118 25 1⁄2 100

1514, January 11100Blancs 412 86 10

" February 1712150Testoons 1118 25 1⁄2 100

1519, June 1012100Blancs à la couronne 46 92 1⁄2 10

1521, September 201350Testoons 116 25 1⁄2 100

1532, March 1... ... ... ... 106

1539, February 2412100Blanc à la Salemand 46 92 1⁄2 10

1540, May 181400Testoons ... ... 108

1541 " 4...Douzains à la croisette 316 91 1⁄4 10

1547, March 31...Douzains ... 91 1⁄2 10

1549, October 2514100Testoons ... ... 110

" January 231500 ... ... ... 114

1550, April 201450Douzains 312 93 1⁄2 10

1561, August 3015150Testoons 1018 3⁄4 25 1⁄2 120

1572, June 13...Douzains 312 102 10

1573 " 91700Testoons ... ... 130

1575 " 17... " ... ... 146

" May 311900Francs 1010 10⁄23 17 1⁄4 200

" "17150Douzains 30 102 10

1577, June 15...Testoons ... ... 160

" November 20... " ... ... 146

1580, October 171900Quart d'écu 110 25 1⁄3 150

1602, September2054 " ... ... 160

" "...Franc ... ... 214

" "...Testoons ... ... 150

1636, May 823100 ... ... ... ...

" June 28...Franc ... ... 270

" September 222500 ... ... ... ...

1641, November 1826100Louis d'argent 110 8 11⁄12 600

... ...

1652, April 4... " ... ... 660

1655, December 23... " 1112 30 1⁄2 200

1679, April 1029110 " ... ... 600

1689, December 10... " ... ... 620

" "...Recoinage new species of Louis d'argent ... ... 660

1693, "33160Louis d'argent ... ... 680

1703, December 1038 10⁄1100Louis d'argent ... ... 800

1709, April3880 " 110 8 880

" May43 7⁄1100 " ... 1000

1713, September 30... " ... 700

1718, May...Louis d'argent or écu 110 10 800

1719, July 2561 9⁄1100 ... ... ... 1134

" ...69 1⁄800Livres d'argent... 65 5⁄11 ...

1720, September98 2⁄1100Louis d'argent ... ... 2350

...... " (= 1⁄4 écu) 30 600

1721, January 1... " ( " ") ... 500

1723, ...... " ... 10 3⁄8 1380

1726, ...46180 " ... 8 1000

1726, May5133 " ... ... 1200

1785Silver coins unaltered ... ... ... ...

1803Kilog. fine silver =222 2⁄8 Francs (218 8⁄9 Francs being returned to the importer) Franc .900 5 grms. wght. ...

1835, June 30Kilog.fine silver =222 2⁄9 Francs (220 Francs being returned to the importer.) " " ... ...

1865, Latin Union ... ... Pieces under 5 Francs reduced to .835 fine

FOOTNOTES: