Money
Domestic rates under work
Kingdome of Spain
| Rate->British Pounds | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Silver | Rial | Castile | 34 Mardives | 6. d. Sterling | |
| Gold | Duccat | Sivill | 375 Mardives | 5. s. 6. d. Ster |
Their currant monies are these,
A Duccat of Gold of Sivill is worth 375. Marvides accounted 5. s. 6. d. Ster.
A Riall of Castile is worth in Sivill 34. Marvides. and is so worth throughout all Spaine, which is accounted 6. d. Sterling. money.
A Dobra currant is worth of Carlin money 〈◊〉 Marvides; every 1000. Dobras are 80. V. 888. Marvides, and is accounted in Merchandise 71. Mar. and is worth in Valentia at even hand 4. Sold. 7. Den. 1/10 of Valentia money without charges of Exxch.
A Dobra of Castile is worth 375. Marvides, or is as above a Duccat of Gold.
A Castiliane of Merchandise is worth 485. Mervides, about 7. 〈◊〉. Sterl. Vide monies in Castile currant in all Spaine.
Their Exxo. are made upon the imaginary Duccat of 375. Mar. payable in banco with five per centum, which is the Bancos salary, or without the banco to bee paied without the same; and this Duccat is commonly tearmed Ducat•… de Or•… or de Peso; and is worth, as above, 375. Mervides. In Sivill they •…ake their payments as following, if you say in Ducate di Or•… or ae Castilia upon banco, those are then paid in banco without losse at all, but if you say to bee paid in so many Duccats Dor•… in Pistolets forth of banco, they will pay in the said money; but if it be said to pay in Carlins, it will cost, and sometime ¼ per centum losse. But because I have at large in the Tract of Exchanges in the Chapters 294. and 426. treated of the Exchange of this place, therefore I will (to avoid repetition) referre the Reader thereunto for further and ampler satisfaction.
Sources from old books
1638. The merchants mappe of commerce wherein by Lewes Robert.
Of the Monies and Coynes of sundry Countryes, used in generall in the traffique of Merchandize.
Amongst all the diversitie of Mettals which GOD the Creator hath shutup in the closet and concavitie of the earth, none is accounted more singular and excellent than silver and gold, of which the communication and Commerce of mankind, have framed and invented the use of money and coine, which money and coine, may be properly termed to be the universall measure of all things in the world, and though that thus naturally and originally they be but mettals, and so to be in themselves accounted, yet in value and estimation, the monyes and coines made thereof are to us (as all things) for they are to us, (converted once to this use) as meate, cloth, house, horse, and generally what other thing soever man hath els need of; and thereby it is evident and manifested that all things are obedient and in subjection to monyes; and that by this devise, a meane was found out and invented, whereby one thing should be to Merchants as all, and therefore men thrust forward by naturall inclination and worldly judgement, chose to this end and use at first, the thing that was found most durable, proper, and maniable, which they onely observed best to be mettall; and amongst all mettals gave silver & gold the preheminence in the invention of monyes, which of their owne nature was thus observed to be most durable, and incorruptible, and of which wee find as well in these our times as in times past, most Princes of the world to make their currant coines of, between man and man in trade of Merchandize. I denie not but in the innocency of those golden times of old, when neither silver nor gold was put to this use, there was yet a traffique found, and a Commerce practis'd amongst mankinde, which may be imagined did not then extend it selfe to buying and selling in that same nature, as now it is in use since the invention of Monyes, but onely to a trucking, exchanging, and bartering, and that onely for things necessary to back and belly, to feed and cloth, and so to preserve life; but these times worn out by a more acute age, and men laying to themselves a foundation of soveraigntie and greatnesse, the stronger still depriving the weaker, and riches thereby becoming desirable, this mysterie crept up, and was admitted, and therefore from these two mineralls was found out a bodie, which once authorized by power of the Magistrate, had a predominancie over all earthly things, and by which was squared out and leveld (as by an indifferent measure) all things appertaining to mankinde, the abundance thereof brought with it the abundance of honour, attendants, necessaries, and superfluities, so that he that had most in his possession, was accounted of, as being the most eminent and greatest personage in the eye, rule, and esteeme of the world.
But to come to the present times, though in the general throughout all Europe, it is now found that Coines and Monies, of silver and gold (as is afore observed) is onely in use, and that all Commerce and traffique is principally drawne and maintained thereby; yet is it noted in this Map, that all Nations have not yet submitted their judgement to the prerogative of these two mineralls, but retaine still in use some other things serving in their stead and place; for first in the Ilands of Porto Ricco, Saint Dominico, and in many places of America, they have in use small peeces of Lether, currant for Coines amongst them, not that they want silver and gold, for they injoy it in greatest abundance, but want the use and invention thereof; as of late dayes it is found to be established there by the Spanyard, as with us in Europe. Neither was this onely the custome of these parts alone; for it is observable, that in Peru, and elsewhere, where the greatest plentie of silver and gold was found out and digged, it was never put to this use by the Inhabitants themselves.
Diverse yet in this kind to this day is the custome of Coines and Monies that are used and goeth currant throughout the world; for beside the aforesaid use whereto these mettals have beene put, as to be thus imployed, the common Standard to rule all trade and commerce, and the estates as well of the Prince as subject in Europe and many other parts of the world: those Nations that have beene defective in this poynt, and that have not valued these mettals as the Europeans doe, have yet found out some particular thing or matter, whereto they have by a nationall and unanimous consent, (as it were) attributed this power to have a maine stroake in their negotiation and traffique, and wherein their wealth is found principally to consist.
In sundry parts of Africa, they use for their small coines a kinde of shells as currant amongst them, though their greatest payments be made either in sand of gold, which they terme Tiburin, or in Ingot. The same is the use this day also in the kingdome of Tombuto, and other adjoyning Countryes.
In other places of that Continent, they use Iron for their coine, their smallest peeces being an ounce waight; and this is seene practised in Massa, and other kingdomes also thereabouts.
In the kingdome of Congo is taken up along the Sea-shoare, great store of shell-fishes, differing from the former used in Tombuto, called Lumaches, which they distinguish male and female, the shell whereof is there accounted a coine, and wherewith they use to buy both silver and gold, but with silver or gold either in masse or coine, can they not buy any other thing needfull whatsoever.
In Melinda, they have little balles of glasse, in manner of our red beads, which come to them from Cambaia, and other places, and these are their coines and monies; and with them gold is neither found to be of account nor esteeme.
In some places of Cathaie, their money is a kind of paper stamped, and in some other Salt baked into small cakes, for the excellent use and scarcitie thereof, passeth currant as coines amongst them.
In Pegu their money is called Ganza, and is made of copper and leade, which every man may at his pleasure both coine and siampe that is able; for gold and silver is accounted as a Merchandize amongst them.
In Bengala their small money is a fruit resembling the Almond, which passeth currant from man to man in traffique. And in the Iland Sumatra, it hath been observed, that the sculls of their slaine enemies was accounted their greatest treasure, with which they buy and barter; and he is the richest man that hath the greatest number thereof in his house. And lastly, in many places of India they use pepper and Cocos nuts in liew of money; and the same passeth currant for coine in many places of India: and to conclude, it may be observed throughout this MAP of COMMERCE, that though silver and gold is not the mettall generally in use for the coining and stamping of money throughout all the world; yet these other things specified, cary with them in matter of commerce in these places the like efficacie and power.
To proceed then, Budelius, Varro and sundry Authors writing upon the originall of moneys, and upon the excellencie of this predominant pointe of traffique; affirme that all coines in the generall have been nominated by their severall and distinct names. 1. Moneta, 2. Nummus, 3. Pecunia; the reasons given thereof are these: First, Moneta is said to have taken that name, and is derived a Monendo, which is to admonish and warne the people of the name of the prince, vel Nummi nota, and of such a signe or marke impressed thereupon, thereby alluding to the saying of CHRIST, Matthew 22. Where the Pharises brought him a penny, he thereupon demanding whose image and superscription that was? and they answered Caesars; then said he unto them, give therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesars, and unto GOD the things that are GODS.
Secondly, Nummus is said to take its name as some will have it à Numerando vel Nomine, of the name of the Prince stamped upon it, as a Duccat is said from Ducatus, or as some say from Numa Pompilius the Romane King, who is said to be the first that 1900. yeares past, commanded moneys to be made, whereof ever since after his name every piece of money is called Nummus; or againe, as some hold, it is derived from Nomos, which signifieth a Law, and implyeth as much as such a Prince, or such a common wealth hath ordained money, from whom it hath taken a certaine price and valew.
Thirdly, Pecunia is derived à Pecude. of cattle, sheep, and Oxen; wherein was said to consist the wealth of the ancients, and whereon the figure thereof was stamped; and is construed to be all manner of living Creatures, wanting the forme of Man: and some hold that the name of money signifieth, not onely money numbred or told, but also all things that are contained in the World; aswell moveable as immoveable, liquid as solid; and in generall all things whatsoever men have upon the earth.
From these three names and kinds grew first amongst the Romanes a particular distinction, and nomination of the quality of the species, as they were currant in worth and esteeme amongst them: for they had then in use certaine moneys of copper, aswell as the others of silver and gold: and because every piece of the silver was in valew ten pieces of the copper, it was called Denarius; and because every piece of gold was worth 10. pieces of silver, the same was also called Denarius; and thus for distinction sake, other Nations in their coines in after ages followed their example; and our English moneys came to have the apellation of starling, and to be distinguished into pounds, shillings and pence, as some say from the esterlins that were in times past the masters of our minte, and the refiners of our coines, which yet holdeth this name, and by which the same is knowne throughout all Europe. But to conclude this Chapter, however coines and moneys came at first to have their originall and names, and however the same came to be distinguished, and of what mettall soever the same is in these dayes found to be made of and framed; yet when once the same is allowed by the publike authority of the Prince and Soveraigne Magistrate, it is held a capitall crime in all Countries, either todeface, mend, alter, or any waies to debase the same; and therefore most justly (the circumstances considered) doe the coines of Princes currant in all their Countries challenge a principall part and interest in the Universall commerce of the World.
Minting and weight of coins
I shall here following insert how the same concurres and agrees with most of the eminent Cities in the World, in their Coines both of Silver and Gold.
It is observed then in most Countries abroad as with us in England, that Gold and Silver is coined and minted by a peculi•… weight only proper therunto, which in many great Cities and Countries of trade I have purposely omitted, that I might both •…cilitate this my labour, and in one place reduce them together to the pound Troy used, especially to that purpose in England; therfore if I prove here somewhat the larger, it is but what the seriousnesse and due circumstances of the matter requireth.
The weight then used in this case in England is the pound Troy, and that which in use in most other Countries is the Mark which as well as 〈◊〉 can I will here abbreviate, now this pound Troy consisting of 12 ounces, and the ounce of 20 peny weights, and the peny weight of 24 grains, the 100 li. of these abovesaid pound•… being vsed for the Standard of Gold and Silver in this 〈◊〉 hath been observed to make in
Antwerp 112 marks each mark being 8 Ounces.
1 O•…ce being 20 peny weight.
1 Peny weight 32 grains.
Adler 86 li. Cairo 105•… Besses. Ancona 116 marks. Aqu•…la 79½ li. Ausburg 118 marks. Bavaria 116 marks. Bohemia 99 marks. Catalonia 112•… marks. Colen 118 marks. Constantinople 99 marks. Crema 116 marks. Dansick 118•… marks. Florence 158½ marks. 1 Mark 8 Ounces.
1 Ounce is 8 grosses.
1 grosse is 3 deniers.
1 de•…er is 24 g•…s.
Frankford 118 marks. Fr•…burg 116 marks. Genoa for Gold 130 Marks
1 mark is 〈◊〉 ounces.
1 ounce 24 de•…iers.
1 denier is 24 grains.
Genoa for Silver 86½ pounds
1 pound is 12 ounces.
1 ounce is 24 deniers.
1 denier is 24 grains.
Hungary 99 marks. Lipsich 118 marks. Lions 1•…6 marks Paris idem 126 marks 1 mark in France is 8 ounces
1 ounce is 8 grosses.
1 grosse is 3 deniers.
1 denier is 24 grains.
Millain 118 marks. Narsinga 97 marks. Naples 86½ pound 1 pound Naples is 12 ounces.
1 ounce is 8 Octavos.
Persia 98 Minas. Peru 99½ Cillats. Piemont 111 marks. Meison 118 marks Saxony idem 118 marks A mark of Mesen is 8 ounces.
1 ounce is 24 deniers.
1 denier, or peny is found to be
24 momenta or grains.
Burgas 120 marks. Franconia 116 marks. N•…rrimberg 116 marks 1 mark Norimberg is 16 loots.
1 loot is 4 quints.
1 quint is 4 pence primes or numulies.
1 peny is 4 sesterties.
Turky 98 marks. Turin 111 marks. Vicentia 116 marks. Vienna 98 marks. New Spain, America, 98½ marks. Spain in generall 121 marks.
1 mark Spanish is 50 Castellianos.
1 Castelliano is 8 tomines.
1 tominos is 8 grains, and this mark is 29700 marks, or 873½ Rials, or 792 Duckets.
Trevis•… 117 marks. Vlme 116 marks. Weselburg 115 ...Venice
...Verona
116½ mark.
1 mark Venice is 8 ounces.
1 ounce is 4 quarts or silices.
1 quarta 36 Carrats or Siliquas.
1 Carrat is 4 grains.
Rome 116½ mark 1 mark Roman is 8 ounces.
1 ounce is 8 drams.
1 dram is 3 scruples.
1 scruple is 2 obolos.
1 obole is 3 siliquas.
1 siliqua is 4 grains or primi.
Lisbone 121 mark. 1 mark Portugal is 8 ounces.
1 ounce is 8 octavos.
1 octavo is 4½ grains.
These are all the standards of the coines both of gold and silver that I have met withall, and the particulars whereto the said weights are distinguished, which may so farre be needfull to the traffique of Countries, that thereby every Merchant stranger may know of what goodnesse and reall value those coines are stamped and coined for, and what the same will yeeld and afford him in his owne City or place of residence.Vpon this troy weight doth also depend in Physicke, all drugs and simples, administred by way of potions, which according to the custome practised amongst Physitians, is thus distinguished into parts.
One Ses quilibra is 1½. pound. or 18 ounces.
One pound is 2 selibra or 12 ounces.
One selibra is 2 quadrans or 6 ounces.
One quadran is a¼ of a li. or 3 ounces.
One sescuntia is 1½. ounce or 12 drams.
One ounce is 8 drams.
One dram is 3 scruples or 60 graines.
One scruple is 20 graines.
One obolus is ½. a scruple or 10 graines.
Now according to this agreement of the weights of silver and gold, I will here reduce the value of some forraigne coines, to the English sterlin.
The crowne of Camera of Rome is sterlin—00 li. 07 s. o d.
The sols Of Genoa is sterlin—00 01 6.
The duccat of Venice of 6 li. 4 sols is sterlin—04 6.
The duccat of Naples is—sterlin—04 9.
The crowne of gold of Florence is—sterlin—06 0
The 20 sols of Millan is—sterlin—01 0.
The Carlin of Cicilia is—sterlin—00 3.
The sol of grosse of Antwerpe is—sterlin—00 7¼.
The lire of Valencia, Barselona and Saragosa is—05 6
The liver or franke of France is sterlin—02 0
The florin of Turin and Savoy is sterlin—00 3⅜.
The 34 Marvedes or single, Royall of Spaine is sterlin 00 6.
The 40 Res of Lisborne in Portugall is sterlin—00 6.
The lire of Bollonia is—sterlin—01 3½.
The crowne of Lucca is—sterlin—05 9.
The florin of Noremburgh and Franckford, sterlin 3 4.
The Chequin of Turky is—sterlin—7 10.
Where note that in Europe, the exchange ever maketh the accounted value of their coines with us, which are seene sometimes to differ much from the abovesaid rules, yet according to the estimation of our English minte, this carrieth a neere concordancy, & therfore I have the rather thought fit to insert it in this place.
Sivill, Spain
Their currant monies are these,
A Duccat of Gold of Sivill is worth 375. Marvides accounted 5. s. 6. d. Ster.
A Riall of Castile is worth in Sivill 34. Marvides. and is so worth throughout all Spaine, which is accounted 6. d. Sterling. money.
A Dobra currant is worth of Carlin money 〈◊〉 Marvides; every 1000. Dobras are 80. V. 888. Marvides, and is accounted in Merchandise 71. Mar. and is worth in Valentia at even hand 4. Sold. 7. Den. 1/10 of Valentia money without charges of Exxch.
A Dobra of Castile is worth 375. Marvides, or is as above a Duccat of Gold.
A Castiliane of Merchandise is worth 485. Mervides, about 7. 〈◊〉. Sterl. Vide monies in Castile currant in all Spaine.
Their Exxo. are made upon the imaginary Duccat of 375. Mar. payable in banco with five per centum, which is the Bancos salary, or without the banco to bee paied without the same; and this Duccat is commonly tearmed Ducat•… de Or•… or de Peso; and is worth, as above, 375. Mervides. In Sivill they •…ake their payments as following, if you say in Ducate di Or•… or ae Castilia upon banco, those are then paid in banco without losse at all, but if you say to bee paid in so many Duccats Dor•… in Pistolets forth of banco, they will pay in the said money; but if it be said to pay in Carlins, it will cost, and sometime ¼ per centum losse. But because I have at large in the Tract of Exchanges in the Chapters 294. and 426. treated of the Exchange of this place, therefore I will (to avoid repetition) referre the Reader thereunto for further and ampler satisfaction.
Mallaga, Spain
I noted this observation, their monies are generall with all Spaine, the principall being
A Riall, which is 34. Mervides, and is 6. d. Sterling.
A Pistolet of Gold is 23½ Rials and the Double being 47. Rials.
Biscay, Spain
The Coines are here currant with all Spaine, which is the Spanish Riall, distinguished into white Quartiles, foure to a Riall, and 4½ blacke Quartile to a single Riall, and accounted by 34. Mervides to the said Riall.
Castile, Spain
In the then Court of Spaine being commonly in Madrid in Castilia, the duccat is worth 375. marvides, and is called by * 1.51 some a dobra of Castile.
A Castiliano is worth 485. marvides.
A florin of Castile is worth 265. marvides almost foure shillings starlin.
A duccat count or quento of marvides is a million. * 1.52
A count or quento of marvides is duccats 2666⅔, and at Dobra it is worth 2739 57/73 dobras, which is starlin 733. li. 6. s. 8. d.
A Riall single of Castile is worth 34. marvides, which is 6. d. starlin.
A quento of marvides is worth 3258. Rials and three marvides.
A Crowne of Castile is worth 323, marvides, but of them you may not make paiment but of 500. onely.
The Duccat of Spaine hath 11. Rials of plate, and every Riall as I said before 34. marvides, and every Duccat 374. marvides, which is 5. s. 6. d. English, the Riall 6. d. and the marvides lesse then our farthing: the single Pistolet of gold is 11. Reals ¾. being 400. marvides, which is according to 6. d. a Riall 5. s. 10½. Esterling.
In Castilia they that give mony upon Exchange, do agree to be paid * 1.53 in Duccats of gold, or their worth in gold or silver, for if they should not doe so, they should bee paide in base money, which would proove to be more then five per cent. losse. The orders of the faires in Castile are thus.
Portugal
The coines in Portugall found currant are these:
A 〈◊〉 of gold, is worth 400. Reas.
A Duccat of Portugall is 10. Reals, which is 400. Reas, which is five shillings starlin.
A Riall is 40. Res, or 6. d. starlin, a mill Reas is 22. Rials.
A Teston is 2½. Rials, or 100. Res, or 15. d. starlin.
A Vintin is 20. Res or 3. d. starlin.
A Mirle of gold is 1000. Res, which is 2½. duccats.
A single Riall Spanish, is 2. Vintins, or 4. Res.
Valentia
A Liver of Valentia is worth 20. Sold. of that money, and is 〈◊〉▪ Sterling.
A Duccat of Gold is 21. Sold. of the said money.
A Castilian•… is 27. Sold. and 4. Deniers of the same money.
A Liver of Valent•…a is worth 365. Mervides of Castilia, and changing them at Naples for Valentia 18 sold. 4. Deniers, which with the charges comes even, because a Duccat of Carlins is worth at Naples after the rate of sold. 18. Den. 3½ and this because your money 〈◊〉 at 15. per centum.
Their greatest money is a peece of 6. sold. which is three Rials Castile, then have they three sold. which 1½ Rials, and the halfe of three sold. which is 18 Deniers, which is 1½ sold. every soldo is 12. Deniers, and 24. Deniers is a Riall Costiliano, which is 6. d. Sterl.
Their Accounts are kept by Livers sold. and Deniers, 12. Deniers accounted to a sold. and 20. sold. to a Liver, which is 10. Rials Castile, 50 souls French and 5. s. sterl.
Barselona
Their monies current in Merchandise, besides the Riall of Castile, is a Liver which passeth heere at 20. sold. and a Duccat of Gold of Castile is worth 24. sold. of the said money, and the soldo is twelve Deniers of that money, wherein they are found to keepe their Accounts.
Tholousa, France
Accounts also here kept, are as through all France in generall, in Livers or Francks, Souls, and Deniers, 12. Deniers to a Souls, 20. Souls to a Liver or Franke.
Paris giving rule in matter of Coine to all other Cities of France, I have purposely referred it heere to avoide the reiteration in any other City of this Kingdome.
The least peece then of Coine currant in France is a Deneire, two whereof makes a Double, and twelve thereof is a Souls; and Souls, twenty makes a Liver, which some call a Franke, and thus in Livers, Souls and Deneires their accounts are kept.
Their common Coines are peeces of 8. Sol. which is the ⅛ of a French Crowne in Silver: a peece of 16. Sold. which is the quarter Crowne, 4. of which makes 64. Sold, accounted for a French Crowne, and 4. Solds which is of 3. Livers Turnois. They have also peeces of 21. Sold, 4. Deniers, being the 〈◊〉 of the said Crowne, called by some Testons, and the ½ and ¼ thereof, and as the quarter Crownes were at first raised from 15. Sold to 16. Sold, and thereby the 60. Sold to 64. Sold, so were the said Testons also in proportion raised accordingly. The Gold coines are only two, which is the common Crowne, of 3. Livers or 60. Sold, and the Crowne of the 〈◊〉, being 3. Livers 16. Sols, or 76. Sol.
All which Coines in their first coinage, bare this true worth and value, and then were conceived to hold equality with England: thus 10. Sold to make 12. pence starling.
20. Sold to make 2. shillings starling, which is their Liver.
60. Sold to make 6. shillings, or 72. pence, which is the French Crowne.
But these in hanced to such rates as the necessities of the 〈◊ or commerce inforce them, finde not now any setled ra•…e, but according to the will of the paier and receiver, for hee that sels his Commodities in France now for ready monies, must contract if hee bee wise, at what rate he must have these Coines in paiment, least he imagine he sell to good profit, and yet by experience find he sells the same to a great losse and disadvantage.
And note that since the writing of the abovesaid, the peece of 16. Sol, is raised to 20. Sol. ⅕ in the whole, which I place heere as a Caveat for such as shall have occasion to traffique into these Kingdomes, that he be inquisitive and circumspect to informe himselfe in the true worth and valew thereof er•… •…ee part with his Commodities.
Lions, France
There hath beene of long time in use an imaginary coine here currant in Exchanges called the Marke, which briefly to explaine is
A Marke of Gold is 65. Crownes of Marke or 63. cro. 11. s. 9. d. of gold in gold, or 62. crownes of Camera Vec•…ia of Rome, or 68. 14. 3. Duccats currant of Venetia.
And they did use heere to keepe their Accounts by crownes of markes sold and deniers, advising one Cro. de marke to bee 20. solds of marke, but is 45. sold turnois, by which crowne of marke they did exchange by, as briefly for example.
They gave in Lions one crowne in Marke to have in Florence 57. or 58. crownes, according to the Cambi•….
To have in Rome 56. duc. of Camera more or lesse, as the exchange went.
To have in Naples 72. duc. of Carlins more or lesse, &c.
To have in Palermo or Mesina 25. or 26. Carlins, &c.
To have in Spaine 400. Mervides, according to the rate of Exchange.
To have in Anvers so many grosse as the Exchange did permit.
But this custome being now lost by the expulsion of the great bankers out of this Towne in the dayes of Lewis the Twelfth, it is since reduced to Crownes of the Sunne of three Livers, by which imaginary (for so I call it now as having none to bee found of that value and rate) coine there is now made, and the common and ordinary prices thereof I willingly heere omit, as having mentioned the same at the end of this Worke in the Chapters 277. and 302. and other following, where all the due circumstances of Exchanges and payments of monies are observed, whereto I referre the Reader.
Savoy
The Monies commonly currant in Savoy are the Monies of Italy and France, as neighbouring, and the florin of the Country accounted three sold turnois, which is 3½. d. English. Their Accounts are kept in Livers sold and deniers, as in France; but in Nisa they account by Florins and Grosses, a crowne of sol of France is 4. flo. 2. gro.
Geneva
Their Monies are as in France, and keepe their Account in Livers Sold and Deniers Turnois, and heere also is currant the Coines of the Vnited Cantons of Switzers, and the coines of Savoy.
Naples
The currant Coynes of Naples were then,
A Duccat of gold large is worth in Naples 11½. Carlins.
A Duccat of Carlins is worth onely ten Carlins, so that 100. Dutcats of gold, are worth 115. Duccats of Carlins.
One Ounce is worth sixe Duccats.
A Duccat of Carlines is worth five Tarries.
A Tarrie is worth 20. graines.
A Carlin is worth 10. graines.
Their accounts are kept in Naples by Duccats, Tarries and Graines, five Taries making a Duccat, and twenty Graines a Tarie; but these are accounted Duccats currant, every 110. Duccats currant, make 100. Duccats of gold.
Bollonia
Their Accounts are kept in Livers sold and deniers, 12. deniers to a sol and 20. sols to a Liver, the Liver may be accounted to bee incirca 13½. d. sterling money, and some are found to keepe their accounts in duccatons, sols, and deniers, cast up by 12. and by 20. as above is said.
Modena
Their Accounts are kept in Livers, sold, deniers, 12. deniers to a sold, and 20. sol to a liver.
Italy
The Coines of all Italy passe heere currant, but the principall of this Countrey that are currant is the Duccat, or as they call it the Crowne of Gold, which is worth 11. Iulios or Paulos.
The Crowne of Silver is worth 10. Iulios or Paulos, which is 100. Baioches, or 400. quatrins.
The Iulio is worth 10. Baioches or 40. quatrins.
The Baioche is worth 40. quatrins or 1•… sol. 4. den. small money of Rome.
Their accounts are kept in Crownes, Iulios, Baioches and quatrins as above, and some in Duccats of Camera or destampe, of which 97. 11. 3. make 100. of Gold.
Vinice
Their Monies currant are these,
The Crowne of Gold is worth 24. grosses of Venetia.
A Liver of grosse is worth 10. Duccats of Gold large.
A Duccat of Gold is worth 24. Deniers the Liver of Grosses.
A Liver ordinary of Venetia is worth of Florence lib. 6. 4. sold, which makes a Duccat in the said place of Venetia, those monies which heere are called Piccoli, are the currant Coine of this Citie, and the monies which heere are called Grosses, is worth 1. lire 62. sol of piccoli or 10. Duccats, the Duccat is alwayes worth lire 6. sol, 4. of piccoli, or else accounted 24. Grosses, and the Grosse is worth sol 5. 2. of piccoli, and in the lire of grosses it is accounted and reckoned as in Deniers, so that by this may bee discerned to bee currant, two sorts of Duccats, the one currant in payment, which may bee valued sterl about 3. s. 4. d. and the other of banco, which may be valued about 4. s. or 4. s. 2. d. as the Exchange will admit, wherein see farther, the one being 20. per cent. better than the other.
Florence
The Coynes currant are the Duccats of Florence and the Picols.
The Duccat is worth 7. Livers or 70. Bolognini.
The Crowne is worth 7½. Livers in Picholi, whereas the custome is different from other Countries, wherein the Crowne of gold is not found to have any constant rate with the currant money of the place, and is adjusted therewith according to the rate of the Exchange.
The Liver is 20. Sold, and accounted to be nine pence starling.
The Duccat being 7. Livers, is accounted their 5. s. 3. d. starlin.
The Seudo or Crowne of 7½. Livers, is consequently 5. s. 7½. starlin.
The Liver is also divided to 12. Chraches, whereof 8. is a Iulio, which is 6. d. starling; 5. Quatrins is a Cr•…ch, and 60. Craches makes a Liver.
Millan
Their Accounts are kept in Millan by pounds, shillings, and d.
Or as they call them Livers, Sol, and Deniers, 12. Deniers make a * 1.322 Sol, and 20. Sol a Liver, which Liver may be sterl. 12. pence, as I shall shew in the Tract of Exchanges, in 280. and 410. Chapters.
Their Coines currant in Millan are these:
A Duccat of gold of Millan is incirca 100. Sol of that money.
A Crowne of gold of the Sunne is worth about 96. or 98 Sol.
A Crowne of gold Italian is 5. Livers and 6. Sol Imperiall.
A Duccat of gold of Livers 5. and 18. Sol is Livers 6. Imperiall.
A Duccat Imperiall is esteemed 4. Livers.
A Duccat of Millan, or Imperiall of Livers 4 per Ducc. and so they count it in Exchange, the which they pay in Crownes of Italie at 101. Sol per Ducc.
Note that the Crowne in Millan runnes in Merchandise for Sol 110. and the Duccat for the same.
Note also that the Imperiall Coines are the currant of this Country, but French, Italian, and Spanish, passe heere also in Merchandise, as being placed betweene the two former, and subject to the last.
Mantoua
Their Accounts are kept in Livers, Sold, and Deniers, 12. Deniers making a Sol, and 20. Sols a Liver, 5. of which Livers maketh a Duccat of gold large 9. 12. Sol making a Duccaton of Mantoa, or 115. sol of Millan which is accounted () sterl.
Parma
...their accounts are kept in Livers Sold and Deniers, 12. Deniers to the Sold, and 20. Sold to the Liver, which is () starling.
Leghorne
Their accounts are kept in Livers, Sold and Deniers, 12. Deniers to a Soldo, and 20. Soldo accounted to a Liver, which is nine pence starling.
Their monies are those of Florence, which currant is the Duccat of 10½. Iulies, or of seven Livers, which is five shillings three pence starling, and a Scudo or Crowne of gold, is 7½. Livers, and one Crowne of gold, in gold, or as they say, de Oro. in Oro. is 8. Livers.
Also note that 12. croches make a Liver which is 9. d.
8. Craches make a Iulio, which is 6. d. sterl.
5. Quadrius make a Crache, 60. Crache a Liver.
3. Quadrins make a Sol.
To bring Duccats of Florence of seven Livers the Duccat into Crownes of Gold of Florence of 7½. Iul. per cro. divide by 15. and substract the quotient from the summe divided, and the remainder is your demand.
Againe, to bring Crownes of gold of Florence of 7½. Iul. into Duccat of 7. Livers, divide by 14. and the quotient added to the summe divided will answer your desire.
There is ever found betweene the Monies of Florence and the money of Leghor•…, a L•…gio, which being both subject to one Prince is conceived by some that the same may be removed by Merchants, if they would endeavour it, but they that are well versed in the Trade of this place hold the contrary opinion, therefore I will omit the reasons given on both sides, and advise him that hath monies in Florence and is resident in Leghorne to make the best use thereof, and take the benefit of the Laggio as the currant rate will permit him, till the businesse may bee better rectified and the controversie by an equality may be decided and determined.
Genoa
In Genoa they keepe their Accounts in Livers, Sold, and Deniers currant, the Denier being 12. to a Sol, and 20. Sol to a Liver, which is 120. Raies of Portugall, and 16. d•…sterling.
Their currant Monies are divers, as bordering upon so many neighbours, the most currant is the Deniers, 12. to a Soldo.
Soldos 4. makes a Cavalet.
Cavalets 5. or Sols 20. make a Liver, which is 16. d. ste.
Livers 4. Sold 8. is a crowne.
Sold 7. den. 6. is a Spanish Riall of 6. d. sterling.
Sola 90. is a crowne of Gold.
Duccat in Silver is 4. liver, 16. sol being 6. 〈◊〉. 5. d. sterl.
Duccat currant is 4, Livers, sterling 5. s. 4. d. circa.
Duccat of Gold is 68. Sold of Gold.
Lire 3. So's 1. makes a Riall of Eight.
Lire 4. 13. 4. of Genoa hath made 1. ducc. in Leghorne.
Lucca
Their accounts are kept divers waies, some in Livers, Sold and Deniers of Picholi, as in Florence, 12. Deniers to a Sol, and 20. Sol to * 1.372 a Liver; some againe in Crownes, Sold and Deniers of gold, of Livers 7½. per Crowne, accounted by 12. and 20. as is abovesaid, but Silkes are sould by so many Duccats the pound, so that to reduce Duccats into Crownes, the number of Duccats is to be multiplied by foure, and divide the proceede by 71. adding what may rest with the Duccats, and they shall be Crownes of 7½. Livers.
Note that to bring Duccats of Florence, or as they tearme them Piastres, of seven Livers the Duccat, into Crownes of gold of Florence, of 7½. per Crowne, divide by 15. and substract the quotient from the summe divided, and the remainder is the demaund.
Againe, to bring Crownes of gold of Florence, of 7½. into Duccats, of 7. Livers divide by 14. and the quotient added to the summe divided will answere your desire.
Againe, to bring Livers of Lucca into Crownes of Lucca or Duccats of Florence, take the summe of Livers, and adde as many more unto them, the product being divided by 15. then the same are Crownes of Lucca of 7½. Livers, I say, Livers for Crownes and Duccats of Florence, of 7. Livers per Duccat, for that the Crowne of Lucca and duccat of Florence, re•…all one in valew, but in the Liver of Lucca and in that of Florence, is some difference, because the Liver of Florence is 7½. per cent. greater then that of Lucca. Note also that 75. Bolonius make a Florence duccat of 7. Livers, and 79. Bolonins make a Lucca duccat, by which they account in sale of Silke.
The Crowne is commonly thus charactered C. The Piastre or Duccat is thus D. The Liver is thus L. The Sol is thus, and the Denier d. Their Monies common is that of Florence currant, called Bolonini, the Crowne of gold is 7. Livers, 10. Sol in Picoli as at Florence. * 1.373
The Ducatone is worth 7. Livers, and is called the Crowne of silver, but the Exchanges is made by Ducatons, Solds and deniers as more fully doth appeare in the 283. Chapter of Exchanges practised in this Citie, to which in that particular I referre you.
Antwerpe
Their Accounts are heere kept by Livers, Sol and Deniers, which they terme Pounds, Shillings and Pence of grosses, 12. grosses making a Sold, and 20. Sold a Liver or pound Flemish, which may be accounted 12. shillings starlin, or by their computation 240. grosses, by which species they doe make their Exchanges with all other Cities.
The currant monies heere and in generall through all the Arch Dukes countries are, besides the Spanish and Imperiall these currant are Doights, foure makes a Stiver, and ten Stivers is a shilling starlin, two Blankes makes a Stiver and halfe.
Stivers 6. makes a shilling Flemish.
Stivers, 20. makes a Guilder, which is three shillings foure pence Flemish.
Shillings, 20. makes a pound, which is 6. Guilderns.
Pound, 100. Flemish makes 60. Pound English, so that 20. Stivers is or may be computed for two shillings starlin, and one pound Flemish for 12. shillings starlin, and then 20. shillings starlin is 33. shillings 4. pence Flemish.
Strasburge
Their coines currant is the Bohemico grosse or Blaphace, which is three crutfers, one cruster is two pence, and one pey is two hellers, and one heller is two orchins, by which coins they keep their account. Vide further chap. 206.
Lipsicke
The Merchants here account by Markes of 32 grosse, and the grosse being 12 heller; but they exchange by Florins of Breslow, 30 to have posito in Norimburg 32 Florins, and in Vienna 34 Florins.
Stoade
〈◊〉 money here and in Hamburg is two pence.
3•… 〈◊〉 •…s a Doller, which is 5 shillings 4 pence there.
4•… 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 8 pence, makes a Spanish Riall of 6 pence sterling.
1 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 33 Stivers, and is 4 shillings 4 pence sterling, 〈◊〉
1 〈◊〉 16 stivers, which is two shillings 8 pence Flemish.
7•… markes is 20 shillings. I say 20 shillings Flemish of that money.
Hamburg
The Merchants here are found to exchange for London by the pound sterling, and for all other places upon the Rex Doller, of 54 sh. Lapisto, or 54 stivers. A Doller is here noted to be worth three whitpence, one whitpeny to be 18 shillings, one shilling to be 12 pence, and one peny two hellers.
Germany
〈…〉 kept by 〈…〉 〈…〉 coynes: 〈◊〉 of 〈…〉 is 〈…〉
the second is by florins, batchers, and crutchers, the florin being accounted for 15 batches, and the batch for 4 crutchers, the third is by florins, sold. and deniers, 12 deniers being a soldo, and 20 soldoes a florin, the florin may be valewed at 3 shil. 4 pence starling, or 33 sh. 4 pence tarine, and the batch at 2 shil. starl. and in payments of merchandise, note that a florin is accounted for a common silver guilden, of which there is no such coine found, being meerely imaginary, as is the same coine of markes of Collen and Lubecke, likewise imaginary, or at least not now coined, nor in use.
Now for the currant coines, observe that first in Stoad, Hamburg, and Lubecke before-named, the gold Rhenish guilde•… was worth, when these notes were taken, 28 〈◊〉 silver misen grosse, or worth 36½ lubecke shil. and the Imperiall doller was worth 33 lubecke sh.
A common silver giulden was worth 28 lubeck shillings.
A french crowne of gold was worth 44 lubecke shil.
An English angel was worth two dollers and a quarter and 〈◊〉 lubecke shillings; or to say otherwise, it was worth 12 flemish shillings and 4 lubeque shillings.
Lubecke shil. 7½, made an English shilling starl.
Lubecke shill. 6, 〈…〉 〈…〉
〈…〉 of 〈…〉 is 〈…〉 33 •…rkes 〈…〉 〈…〉
〈…〉 confines of the Empire and the Low 〈◊〉 〈…〉 E•…den was wo•…th 〈◊〉, an 〈…〉〈…〉 understand 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 stiver•… 〈◊〉 was 〈…〉 •…ch crowne was worth 3 flemish guil•…. •…d 6 stive•… 〈…〉 as also ó lubecke shillings make one shilling •…ish, 〈…〉 it is to be •…ted, that Princes and Cities doe coine 〈…〉, which are found often in their value to differ 〈…〉 •…ildens. •…ine,
〈…〉, and in those parts, they haue current coines 〈…〉 small pieces stamped, called copstackes, and a * 1.560 doll•… 〈…〉 •…rth 4 〈◊〉 •…ckes or 55 groats, a french crowne was wor•… 〈…〉 •…nd on•… •…pstacke 10 stivers or 12 groats, and this 〈…〉 a little more than an English penny, a sesling was wor•… 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 •…cke shilling, and they have here halfe seslings.
〈◊〉 •…cke, a doller was 36 maria grosse, which are of equall * 1.561 weight •…th 24 silver misen grosse, also 9 maria grosse make 8 lubeck•… shil. 〈◊〉 doller was worth 18 spitzgrossen, whereof 〈◊〉 wo•… •…ia g•…e.
〈◊〉 •…rg, Le•…sicke, 〈◊〉 and in all the Electorate 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 * 1.562 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 bouring territories to the c•… of 〈…〉 ler 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 silver grossen, which are the sam•… 〈…〉 or 3•… 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.
A Rhemish gold guilden was worth 27 silver gros. and the Philip doller was of the same value.
A common silver guilden was esteemed at 21 silver grosse.
A french crowne at 33 silver gros.
A Spanish pistolet at 32 silver gros.
A halfe Millres at 36 sil. gros. the hungarian duccat at 30.
A short and long crusado at 35 silv. gros.
A Rose noble at 3 〈◊〉 dollers, the English angel at 2¼ doller; the silver grosse was worth more then 2 pence, and about 2¼ pence starl.
And for the small Coines, a Grosse was worth 4 driers, and 1 drier 2 dreyhellers, and 1 dreyheller was worth a pfeninge and halfe, and 12 pfeninge made a grosse, and two schwerd grossen made one schneberger.
In generall through all the upper parts of Germany, a doller was esteemed at 18 batsen, a silver guilden at 15, a Philips doller at 20, a french crowne at 24 〈◊〉, a gold crowne of Italie at 24, a silver Itolen crowne at 22½ batsen, a Rhenish gold guilden through higher Germany was worth 27 silver misen grosse, a silver guilden there as in Saxony at 21 gros. the bats. may be accounted 3 pence English, and 4 creizers make 〈◊〉 •…ts, 4 pfeminge make a cretzer, and three cretzers make a zwelver, 〈…〉 silver 〈◊〉.
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 have 〈…〉 〈◊〉 common payme•… •…hich p•… 〈…〉 〈◊〉 occasions, and this being none of t•… 〈…〉 •…ners doe carry out the Coines of the E•… 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 •…mmodities 〈◊〉 •…he Empire, and there•… 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 moneys 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to receive 〈…〉 than th•… commonly do otherwise passe at.
The Kingdome of Bohemia, as also that of Hung•… 〈…〉 Coines of the Empire in the same value 〈◊〉 at first coin•… 〈… consent of both those nations, but it is to bee unde•… 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 well in those free Cities, and by those free Princes 〈…〉 priviledge of coining, there is alwaies stamped cer•… 〈…〉 money that onely passeth currant in their iurisdict•… 〈◊〉 •…ther; and these passing in the Kingdome of Bo•… 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to be these; First, 3 potchandels make one •…zer, ni•… 〈◊〉 •…ne potchandel make foure weissgrosse, and 30 grosse of M•…ia o•… •…sse make a doller, also here Merchants reckon two hellers 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and fixe pfenings for a grosse, and 60 grosse for a shocke, and •…osse for a marke.
〈◊〉 •…zerland it is found that divers of the Cantons 〈◊〉 •…yne〈◊〉 •…hich passe currant among themselves the p•… of whic•… •…ts are found to be in Ba•…, •…rich, and Sc•… •…he 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 w•…reof I will onely note.
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 •…oine is the Rappen munts, where•… •…ed a 〈…〉 •…retzers:
and 20 plaparts, or 60 cretzers make a common guilden, and 3 pfeninge make a cretzer.
At Zurich it is found that 6 pfenings make a shilling, and may bee worth a penny starling, & 3 pfenings make a sickerling; two great finfers of Basil, and one little finferlin makes a bats of Basil, and in like manner 5 finferlins make a bats, and 5 finfers 2 bats.
But my worke were endlesse to runne through the particular coines currant, and stamped in every particular place of this Empire, therefore this shall suffice for a tast of the variety; and whosoever carrieth any merchandise into these countries, let him bee sure to know the true worth of the monies hee receiveth for the same, lest he prove in conclusion a loser by his trafficke.
Coppenhagen
The Monies of this kingdome commonly currant is the Doller, and shilling; two Danish shillings making one Lubecke shilling, and 66 Danish shillings accounted for a Rix Doller, which is five shillings Sterlin.
Their accounts are kept by markes of 16 shillings Danish.
Their exchanges are here practised by the Rix doller above mentioned, the common currant coine of these countries.
Swethland
The Moneyes in use generally currant throughout the Kingdome of Sweden, is the Doller, which is divided into markes, and eight markes makes a doller, and this marke is divided into clipping, so that two clippings make a marke, and a clipping is accounted for 9½ stivers Flemish, and by this doller they exchange with other neighbouring Countreyes, and it is valued in sterling money at ()
Moscovia
The currant monies here is a Capecke, in value a stiver Flemish, and somewhat more than an English peny: for ten Capeckes is a grevene, which the English call 12 pence sterlin, because that ten grevens is a Rubble, which is 10 shillings sterlin. Three Capeckes they call an Altine, by which name all receipts and payments are made in bargaining and contracts, 33 Altines and one Capecke making a Rubble.
Polonia
It is not above 300 yeeres since the Polonians used silver coynes stamped; for before that time, they did traffique with little pieces of uncoyned silver, and by the exchange of skins, and other such commodities, but at this day they make all contracts by silver guildens, but have no such reall coyne amongst them, the coynes currant are these: A Gold Ducket, knowne by the name of Polander is of the same valew which the Hungarian Ducket, and worth 70 polish grosse, a silver Guilden or Florin is worth 30 polish groshe, which is 2 shillings starling, a doller in specie is worth 40 polish groshe; but in all contracts for buying and selling, the doller is accounted 36 groshe: a Creitzer is worth 3 potchanels, 18 deniers make 1 grosh: 〈◊〉 grosh of Poland or Bohemia, is worth 7 potchanels: 16 whites make one Ort, 4 Orts make a doller, valewed in starling mony foure shillings foure pence.
Dantzke
Their monies currant being thus accompted: One great marke 〈◊〉 two polish Guilders; one polish guilder, is worth two lesser •…arkes; one lesser marke worth 15 grosse, and the grosse 18 pence, •…esides which, they coine Hungarian duckets of gold, as they doe 〈◊〉 Poland, and they have two coynes in gold called a milres, and halfe 〈◊〉 milres; and each milres is three dollers and two ses•…int, 36 polish grosse •…aking here a doller.
Rhiga
The coines and accounts differ not much here in value from the others before mentioned, yet found to differ in appellation: for the Rix Doller, and the Marke Lupes is here all one, which makes two Swedens or common Markes, and one Sweden is 8 Lups shillings: one Lups is 2 shillings, one shilling is 12 pence, and one peny is two hellers.
Revel
There is found some Exchanges practised in these parts by the mark *Swedens of 16 shil. and by the mark Lups of 32 shil. &c.
Rhagusa, Sclavonia
The Monies thereof are such as passe current through the state of Venice, and Turkie their neighbours, and their owne being in correspondence therewith, and a•…mpted by grosses.
Grosses 6 is a Liver Grosses 62 is a Venice Chicquin Grosses 59 is a Hungar Grosses 40 is a Naples Ducket Grosses 38 is a Riall▪ Grosses 59 is also a Sultanie, accompted in England for 8 star. Grosses 1 is 2 Gassets A Gasses is 2 Saldes
Constantinople
The coynes currant in Constantinople, are those proper to the whole Empire; which is principally the Sultany in gold, which agrees with the Hungar, Venice, Ch•…quine, and Sheriff of Barbary passing for 120 asp. and the doller of Germany▪ the Rial of 〈◊〉 Spanish passeth for 80 asp. so that the 1 〈◊〉 Rial of 〈◊〉 is a Sultany of gold; how beit of late dayes silver is found more plentifull, and gold more scarce, so that the sayd Sultany, Hungar or 〈◊〉 is worth 1 〈◊〉 doller, and 10, 20 or 30 asp. more or lesse, as the same is demanded and sought after: also here are found other dollers, both of Italy and Germany, to passe for a considerable value, as the L•… doller at 75 asp. and the Germane Ses•…ine at 70 asp. &c. and in fine, most sort of currant coins in the world, if found good silver, finde here a reall price in payments of merchandise.
Scio
Accompts were and are kept in dollers of 80 aspers, and of Aspers as in Constantinople. The monies are the same ingenerall mentioned in Constantinople, save that commerce, doth often-times make them be here 2 or 3 per cent. better esteemed.
Palermo
Their moneyes are also ounces, taries, and graines, accounted one ounce to be 30 taries, which is 5 Florins, of carlins 1•… the Florine.
One tarie to be 20 graines, and is 12 sol. 6 den. small money.
One tarie to be two Carlins.
One Carlin to be 10 grains, and is 12 li•…res.
One graine is 6 Picholies, and is 7•… den. money Siciliano:
One poncto is 8 picholis.
A duccat of gold is worth 13 taries.
Note that for the money which they pay by bils of Exchange, they give allowance 1•…. per cent. for bad money.
Palermo is also a place of great Exchanges, which briefly at my being there did run thus with other places, alwaies noting that all bils comming from abroad, pay one Carlin per ounce to make good money: and they exchange by ponctos as I have noted elsewhere: and they give in Palermo 160 pomutos incirca, * 1.887 to have in Naples a duccat Corrant, and their account is made as in the particular of Naples is expressed. They give in Palermo 26 or 27 Carlins, to have in Rome a ducc. de Camera.
They gave in Palermo which is 6 taries accounted, and 1 Carlin per ounce more, to have in Valentia 10 sold. 3. den. and a crown of 12 taries, is 20 solds, and a duccat of 13 taries, is there estimated for 21 sold.
With Messina and Siracusa, and other places of the kingdome, they exchange with the crown and the same moneyes.
This note of Equality or Par, I also learned here for currant.
For Valentia sold 9 dc. 10¾. per Florin.
For Barselona sol. 11 d. 3⅖. per Florin.
For Majorca sold 14 d. 10½. per Florin.: and for the aforesaid places, they consider the interest, to him that takes by Exchange at the rate of one carlin per ounce, which they recover accordingly, for the other particular circumstances thereof, I referre the reader to the end of this tract, where the Exchanges of this place and Mesina is largely handled, and as the same may more amply there appeare in the Chapters 419. 420. 421. 422. 423. 424. and 425. with all particular circumstances, wherto I desire to be referred for better satisfaction.
Modona, Corona, and Petras
The monies of these places is currant with those of Turkie, and those of Venetia, as possessors and borderers, which they account by the Turkish coines, as in Dollers and Aspers. Aspers 80 accounted to a Doller, or ℞ 〈◊〉 which is the best commoditie: aspers 120 accounted to a Sultany Hungar or Checquine, which coynes are found to rise oftentimes 10, 20, or 30 per cent. in aspers, as the occasion of trade, or misgovernment too oftentimes doth permit.
Messina
A crown of gold of Italie, is worth 14 taries. * 1.892
A crown of the place they account, 12 taries.
A Tarie as in Palermo, 20 graines, is 2 carlins.
An Ounce is as in Palermo, 30 taries.
A Groine is 5 pecholies.
A Florence duccat did passe for 11 taries, 4 gr.
A duc. of Camera of Rome, for 12 taries 6 gr.
A duc. of Carlins of Naples, for 10 taries 16⅔ gr.
A crowne of Marc{que} is 12 taries.
A liver grosse of Venice is 3 ounces, 21 taries, and 1 gr.
One pound of grosse of Anvers is 1 •…ance and 10 taries.
Marvedes 29½ of Spaine, is one tarie.
And a pound starlin is here ()
Majorca and Minorca
Their moneyes have reference to those currant in Spaine, and principally in Barselona and Valentia, and they account 7 Rials Spanish, and two Marvedes to make a liver here, by which their accounts are kept, being in liures, sold, and denieres, 12 deniers to the sold, and 20 sold to the liver, which liver is 3 s. 8 d. star. but all commodities are here sold by the sold, 20 making a liver, which may be accounted 3 s. 8 d. starling as aforesaid, and they account 17 doublers is a Riall Span.
Ireland
The coines of this Kingdome in the standard, carrieth a concurrence with those of England, which also are here current for the value, as being subject to one and the same Scepter, yet in distinction of the true and reall worth, are found thus intituled.
The pound of Ireland consisteth of 20 shillings Irish, yet in sterling is accounted but 15 shillings.
The shilling by this account is but 9 d. sterling, and the sixe pence Irish is 4½ d. sterling.
Scotland
Their currant Monyes in Merchandise is the proper Coynes of that Kingdome both in Gold and Silver,
which are usually found to be in Gold
Pieces of 22 shill. sterl. Pieces of 11 shill. sterl. Pieces of 5 6 d. sterl. Pieces of 2 9 d. sterl. Pieces of 4 4•… d. sterl. In Silver, first Pieces of 1 shill. 1½ d. sterl. Pieces of ½ the ¼ and ⅛ therof. Pieces of 9-9 d. being ⅔ of the 13 d. ½ ster. one Mark. Pieces of ½ which is 4½ d. being 〈◊〉 of the above said.
- Againe, 13•… d. sterl. is Scotch Marke, or 13 shill. 4 d. Scotch.
- 6⅔ is a Scotch Noble, 6 shill. 8.
- 20 d. sterl. is 1½ Mark Scotch. or 1 pound Scotch of 20 shill.
- 20 shill. sterl. is 18 Soctch Marks.
Besides which are here found currant the Coynes of England, and hee that would see further into the intrinsecall value and weight of these Coynes either of Silver and Gold, must have recourse to a Proclamation set out by our Soveraigne King Iames deceased, dated in 1609, which will also shew their conformitie to the Coynes of England in waight and goodnesse, and the currant value and estimation therof through this Kingdome.
Here is practised for England an Enchange for monyes as is done upon the Scotch Mark for 12 pence sterling in London, &c.
Their Accounts are now kept severall ways, some following the custome of England, by sterling pounds, shillings and pence, and * 1.950 some by their own ancient manner also in pounds, shillings & pence Scottish, 20 pence sterling being their pound, 13 d. ½ being their Mark, and pence Scottish, of which they had some black or copper Monyes, as Babaes, esteemed by them for six pence, wherof two made a penny sterling, Placks which they esteemed for four pence, but three of them made a penny sterling, and lastly, pieces called hard-heads, esteemed by them at 1½ pence, but eight of them made a penny sterling mony, and some of these are yet currant amongst them.
England
The Coines of this City and Kingdome are partly of Gold, and partly of Silver, as in other Countries the principall in use are these.
The Silver currant Coines are
Pieces of 5 shil. sterl. Crown. Pieces of 26 d. Pieces of 12 d. called shillings Pieces of 6 d. Pieces of 4 d. 3 d. 2 d. 1 d. ster. Which are accounted 4 farthings to a penny sterling, 12 ob. to a shilling, 5 shillings to a Crown, 4 Crowns, or 20 shillings to a pound sterling.
The Gold coines currant are
Pieces of 22 shill. ster. Pieces of 11 shill. ster. Pieces of 5 shill. 6 d. Pieces of 2 shill. 9 d. the 〈◊〉 of 22 shill. Also Pieces of 20 shill. Pieces of 10 shill. Pieces of 5 shill. Pieces of 2 s. 6 d. the 〈◊〉 of 20 sh. Accounted also in the former accounts of pounds, shillings and pence sterling, the goodnesse and finenesse, and intrinsecall value may be more particularly knowne by a Proclamation in Anno 1609, published by our deceased Soveraigne King Iames, to which I refer the Reader, or otherwise to a Table inserted in the end of this Chapter of the equality and valuation therof with the Coines of sundry other Countries.
Their accounts are kept throughout England, by pounds, shillings, and pence sterling, accounting 12 pence to the shilling, and 20 shillings to the pound, but the accounts of the revenues of the Kingdome have been, and yet are in some Offices kept in Marks, containing 13 shill. 4 pence, per Mark.
Tunis
Their coines used in trade is here commonly most currant the Spanish both silver and gold; the Riall of ½ Spanish is accounted 46 aspers, the ℞. of 4/4 23 aspers, the ¼ 11½, and the Pistolet of Spaine commonly by them termed the scudo, is 64 aspers, but these rise and fall according to the plentie and scarsitie thereof: silver coines of their owne I have not observed any stamped amongst them, save the asper spoken of before, eighty whereof makes a sultany, chicquin, or hangar duccat, which is the common peece of gold knowne passable through all Africa & Asia, and through all the Dominions of the Grand Signeor: and these coines passe thus currant in Tripolis, Barbaria, in Africa, Vna, Biserta, and other maritime parts alongst the coast.
Algiers
Their coines passing currant here in trade is the Double, which is accounted to hold correspondencie in value with the English shilling, or rather two Spanish Rialls single.
Foure doubles is 1 ℞ 〈◊〉, called there an Osian.
Five doubles and 35 aspers is a pistolet of Spaine.
Seaven doubles is accounted a sultany or Chequin, the common peece of gold found currant in all Barbarie.
Fiftie aspers is accounted to make a double; and these are the usuall coines passable in all this coast belonging to this Kingdome.
Oran
The coines currant of Barbary, and which passe currently here, are those indifferently named before, and the coines of the opposite shoares of Spaine.
Una
The coines before mentioned are here current, onely with little alteration, as also the same is found to be in Bona (anciently Hippona the seat of Saint Augustin that learned Father) in Cola, Tabara•…ha, Bugia, Constantine, and other townes of trade upon this coast, therefore I will omit the repetition thereof, having all a reference in trade one to the other.
Morocco and Fesse
The moneys of this Kingdome, and generally of all the Kingdome of Moroco is the Sheriffe or Duccat in gold deriving the name thereof from the Sheriffs, who within these few yeares made conquest of these Kingdomes under pretext and colour of the sanctity of their Religion, and is accounted to be about ten sh. starling money, divided into 8. parts, and esteemed ⅛ each part, which may be compared to be about 14. d. in 15. d. starling. ... The coines currant is also the Sherif common with Fesse, and all these parts of Barbarie, and by some called the duccat of gold, having eight divisions or parts, esteemed to be about nine shillings and foure pence sterling, each 〈◊〉 worth fourteene pence sterling.
Negroland
Asseva is two pesos and a halfe.
Egebba is two pesos, and accounted halfe an ounce or the fourth part of a Benda.
Seron is accounted for one peso and a halfe.
Eusanno is accounted a peso.
Quienta is three quarters of a peso.
Each Peso is held a loote.
Media taba is a quarter of a peso.
Agiraque is halfe a peso, so that by those that have made the triall of their weights with ours, they have found them to be in every pound Troy a peso and halfe in every pound hevier then our Troy pound used in England, and this weight is the rule for their gold in passing for commodities: where note that all Countries have not in this and other these large coast moneys currant of mettle as wee have in Christendome, for in some parts of Ethiopia their money is pepper, in Tombotu, and about the river Niger their money is cockles or shell-fish, in Azanah their money is porcellette, in Bengala porceletta and mettle together, as in China they use porcolette for money, and in some other places of India, paper stamped with the Kings seale passeth currant for money, and in some places the barkes of certaine trees called Gelsamora, and in Congo and many places of these Countries Lumach, and in Angela, beads of glasse, and such like in many other places.
Sidon
Their coynes are principally Rialls of 〈◊〉 Spanish and Chicquins in gold, the Riall accounted for 72 aspers, and the chickquine 108 aspers, but the valuation alters according to the occasions of the state and course of traffique, therefore no great confidence can be given thereunto.
Aleppo
The Coines currant of Aleppo is the same common with all the dominions of the great Turke; the passable here is
The Soltanie is medines 80, aspers 120, sh. 16.
The Lion doller, med. 50, asp. 80, sh. 10.
The Duccat, med. 40, asp. 60, sh. 7½.
Rialls of 8/8 have passed 6½ per cent. better then lyon dollers, and 1½ ℞. 8/8 hath passed for a soltanie: but this rule holds not in these dayes, for the warres and troubles of that Country have altered these observations.
Shes. 1 is medin. 5⅓, or aspers 8, and the med. 1 〈◊〉 shes.
But these rules following are more certaine and found true.
℞. 8/8 is found to weigh 424 grains the single Rot. 26½ gr.
The Crowne or single pistolet found to weigh 53 grains.
The Solianie, hungar, or chequine to weigh 54 graines.
And the Mitigall is found to weigh 72 graines.
Their accounts are kept as by a common consent throughout the principall places of traffique in Turkey in dollors and aspers; the dollor containing 80 as. at what rate otherwise soever the same doe passe amongst all Christians that are Merchants, and here resident; yet it is found that the account of the Countrey (as proper to the revenewes and treasure of the grand signior, and practised by the receivers of his estate) is kept in aspers, wherein they account to thousands, ten thousand and hundred thousand aspers, and so by a cargo or loade of aspers which they account to be 100 thousand aspers, and at 80 aspers per dol. amount to 1250 dollers, o•… 312 li. 10 shil. starling.
Mocha
It is subject to the grand Signior, and acknowledgeth his coines •…r the currant in this place in matter of trade, which is the asper common with all Turkey.
Whereof 60 is here accompted for a Riall of 〈◊〉 Spanish.
An hundred is accompted for a Soltanie, chiquine or sheriffe.
The common gold here currant 8 sh. sterling.
Ormus, Persia
The Coines then here in use and valuation are these:
- 1 Besse of copper is 4 Cosbeggs.
- 1 Shahee of silver is 2½ Bessees, which is 4d starling or 10 cosbegs.
- 1 Mamothy silver is 2 shahees which is 8d star. or 29 cosbegs.
- 1 Abashae of silver is 2 mamothies, which is 16 d star. or 40 cosb.
- 1 Asar of gold is 20 shahees or 6 shil. 8d. starling.
- 1 Toman of gold is 10 asars, which is 66 shil. 8d. star. and this Toman is accounted 50 abashes or 2000 cosbeggs.
These are the generall coines currant throughout Persia; to these I must adde those in use in these parts above mentioned: The Riall of 〈◊〉 Spanish is here a commoditie, and bought and sold, and the common estimation thereof is here 130½ cosbegs or 13 shahees, and somewhat more, which accounted at 4d. per shahee is little more than 4 shil. 4d. starling. Againe, this Riall of eight passeth here for 5¼ larrees, which larrees are 10d. star. and by this account the Riall of 〈◊〉 is 4 shil. 4½d. starling.
1 Larree is 5½ saddees, each saddee being not fully 2d. star. and each saddee accounted here for 40 flosses; so that the larree is here 220 flosses, and every ℞. of 〈◊〉 is here at Gombrone and Iasques 1155 flosses.
Hispahan, Persia
Their coines currant in Hispahan, and generally throughout all the Kingdome of the Sophie are of severall sorts, partly of brasse, partly of silver and partly of gold. The principall whereof is the Toman, which formerly hath beene accounted to be worth 6 li. starling, since 4 li. and by reason of the late warres imbased, and worth now onely 3 li. 6 s8. 8 d. at Sea side starling, and by some accounted 3 li. 12. sh. 6 d.
This Toman is worth 200 Saheds or Shahees, 14½ or 15 ℞. 8/8 span. or 10 asures, which have beene accounted 4 li. star. a piece, a Mamothy of silver, is 2½ Bestees of copper.
The Riall of 〈◊〉 span. is here accounted for 13 Shahees, and 1 cosbeg or 5¼ lorins.
The lion dollor currant in these parts is 10 Shahees, every Shahee is 4 d. starling, or 50 deniers here in account.
A Rupias, which is the coine of the Mogull is abashees, 4¼ which is 2 sh. 3 d. starling.
A Mamothy is 9 cosbegges or 32 dores, or 100 deniers.
A Bestee of copper is 4 cosbegges, or 20 deniers.
An Abaisce silver is 2 Mamothies, or 20 shahees, or 200 deniers.
A Chickeene of gold, sheriffe or solton is 18½ shahees, yet in some places of Persia they passe for 20 shahees, and in some for 24 sha.
An asure of gold is 20 shahees, and 10 asures is a Tomano 3-6-8 d. st.
A Larin is 5½ shahees, and in some places onely 5 about 10 d. or 10½d. starling, here 25 cosbeggs.
A Fonan is 9 Cupans. A mitigall is 3•…½ or 34 shahees.
A sadee is 40 flosses. A shahee is 10 cosbeggs.
A mitigall is 33½, and in some places 34 shahees.
A Tanger is 12 pulls, which is shahees.
They here keepe their accounts in sundry species and denominations, some in Sheriffes, some in Spanish Rialls, and some in tomans, and some in Shahees: The common account is thus distinguished.
The Abashee is 200 deniers, or 20 shahees. The Mamothy is 100 deniers, or 10 shahees. The Sadon 50 deniers, or 5 shahees: The Uiste is 20 deniers, or 2 shahees. The Cosbegge is 5 deniers. And those that keep their account in shahees, onely they reckon them to hundred thousands, and hundred thousands, as the proper knowne coine of the Countrey; and this manner hath seemed the best to our English there resident, which they account 60 shahees for 20 sh. starling.
Caffa
They have also a coine which is called a Somma, in which their accounts are kept, and to which other coines currant are reduced; and the same is divided to saggis, which they account by 45 saggis to a somma, and 4 sommes to a soltany or checquin; and thus much shall serve for the trade of Caffa.
Cambalu, Cathay
As for the moneys currant in this large Territorie, I find it to be diversly made, yet neither of gold nor of silver coined, but of the middle barke of the Mulbery-tree, which being made firme, and cut into divers and round pieces great and little, they imprint the Kings marke thereupon, and from this meane stuffe, the Emperour causeth a huge masse of moneys to bee yearely made at Cambalu, which sufficeth for his whole Empire, and no man under paine of death may coine or spend any other money, or refuse it in all his Kingdomes and Dominions; whereby it commeth to passe, that Merchants often comming hither from farre and remote Countries, bring with them gold, silver, pearle, and precious stones, and receive the Kings money for them; and because the same is not currant in their Countrey, they therewith buy in this Empire other the commodities heere found, which they carry hence away with them: the King also payeth his stipends, officers and armies with the said moneys, and buyeth whatsoever else hee needeth with the same, so that no Prince in the world can exceed him in treasure, which is at so easie a rate provided and procured. Besides which, I find it observed in some parts of this large Countrey subject to some subordinate Kings, in subjection to the Great Cham, that they use in some places pieces of polisht corrall instead of money; and in others they have certaine twiggs of gold, in lieu of money, which is distinguished by weight into severall parcels, without stamp or Character, and this is accompted in matters of consequence: but they have a lesser coine (if I may so terme it) made of salt which they boile in coldrons for a certaine time, which congealed they make into lumps, like our penny loaves, which being made solid, is signed with the Princes stamp, and passeth thus currant amongst them, & wherewith they provide themselves of all necessaries: in some others I find also that they use purs•…ane for money, and weighted pieces of gold; for in some Countries of this Empire silver mines are not found, and they give in proportion one ounce of gold for five ounces of silver; neither is it found that in many places of this Countrey that they have the use of letters; therefore the Merchants make their contracts and obligations in tallies of wood, the halfe whereof the one keepeth, and the other the other halfe, which being afterwards paid and satisfied, the said tallie is restored; not much unlike the custome of tallies in England.
Cambaia, India, The Empire of the Mogul
The ancient currant and generall coyne of this Countrey is the Mahmudy, stamped by that famous King Mahmood in the first conquest of these Countries, which was accounted for (—) Res of Portugall, and by the English there resident estimated 12 d. starling. But the Grand Mogull being the last Conquerour, prohibited the said coines of Mahumdis, and therefore at this day they are found very scarse, yet most frequent in Gussurat. The most currant coine now throughout his Territories being the Ruppie, of which there are divers sorts, which are,
The Casanna Ruppia which is the common Ruppia worth in India ¼ mahomudy, and estimated incirca 2 s. 3d starling.
The Iacquerree Ruppie, 5 of which make 6 Casanna Ruppies.
The soway Ruppie—4 whereof makes 5 Casanna Ruppies.
The Hondee Ruppie of equall value with the Casanna Ruppie abovesaid; and in these last doe the Merchants of Gusurat keepe their accounts: Besides which they have for smaller coines currant these:
The Pice, accounting 34 to the mamodie, which is 10 d. starling.
The shahee accounted to be 10 Pices or 10 Cosbeggs.
And some there are that keepe their accounts in Mahomodis, accounting 2½ mahomdy to be one Hondee or Cassanna Ruppie, being thus esteemed for 2 shil. 6 d. star. as 2 Ruppies are accounted for 1 ℞ 〈◊〉 Spanish, though indeed not found alwayes of that value, for the Ruppie is here observed with the right of a Princes coine, and the R. 〈◊〉 for a merchandise or commoditie, rising and falling: the said Ruppia in Agra is found to passe for 84 pices; but this is thus most currant in Amadever, Lahore, and other the places where the Christians of Europe and others doe provide & buy their Indico, &c. and there two of the said Ruppias make in ordinary payment for Merchandise 1 ℞ 〈◊〉 of Spanish.
Goa, India
The common moneys heere currant is called the Pardaus Xeraphin, coined here, and worth 300 Res of Portugall, and is as much as three testons, which is English money about foure shillings sixe pence sterling.
One Pardau is five tang as, which is an imaginary coine, and is in both sorts of the coines in use, as accounting five tang as bad money, being the same in worth as foure tang as of good money.
One tang as is worth foure good ventins, and five bad ventins, a coine also imaginary, and not reall, and is worth seaventy five basarucos.
A vintin is worth 15 bad basarucos, and 18 good basarucos, which is the lowest and smallest coine heere in use.
Three basarucos is worth two Res of Portugall money, and by this accompt, the Pardu sheraphin is worth 375 basarucos: and these are all the proper coines of Goa: the other here currant are
The Persia larins is a coine of very fine filver, and worth 110 basarucos.
The Pagode of gold worth about 10 tang as, is eight shillings sterling.
The venetiander of gold, worth two pardaus sheraphin.
The St. Thomas of gold, worth 8 tang as.
The Riall of 〈◊〉 called Pardaus de reales, worth commonly 440 Res of Portugall; but these and the larins of Persia may heere bee accounted for commodities, rising and falling in price, as the occasions of Merchants inforce them.
But note that all moneys are here paid and received by the hands of Sheraffs, as is the manner in Turkey and other Easterne Countries, who make good the losse and dammage either in tale or goodnes for a small consideration, and by the Portugals termed Cernidors.
Mesulipatan, India
The currant usuall coines in Mesulipatan, Armagon, Petipoli, St. Thomas, and all alongst the coast is the Pagode of gold, and the Mahomody and fanan of silver, and are thus valued.
A Pogode is worth 15 fanams, or in English 8 sh. starling.
A fanan is 9 cashee, or as some call them cupans about 6¾ d. star.
A Mamody is 32 pices, or as in some places they are called docres.
A riall of 8/8 Spanish is here 5 mamodies or 9 fanans, or 5 sh.
And 10 rialls 8/8 is here currant for 6 and sometimes for 6½ pagods.
And 10 R 8/8 are called in these parts a Seare incirca 50 sh. star. But in Armagon it is observed they have this difference.
Rialls of 8/8 11 are accounted for 8 pagods.
One pagode is accounted worth 20 fanams.
And 5 pagodes here are accounted but 4 in Mesulipatan.
The pagode by this account may be said to be in value about 8sh. starling equivalent with the chequin of Uenice, or the sheriffe of Aegypt, or sultany of Turkey, and the mamody accounted for 12 d. starling, and the fanans about 6 d. ¾ or 7 d. per piece.