Draft of MINT00305 (Mint 19/2/205)

Diplomatic TextCatalogue Entry

<191r>

By the weight & assay of several pieces of forreign coins heretofore made in the mint, Mexico pieces of 88 were (one with another) found worth 4s 6d a piece, & Sevil pieces of 88 (old plate ) were found of the same intrinsic value. And after this rate I valued them in an estimate of the intrinsic value of several foreign coins which I formerly made for the use of the Plantations in the West Indies. See stat. 30 An 6. Annæ R.

Now according to this rate 200000li starling are worth (888889 pieces of 88 of either Mexico or Sevil: wanting six pence according to the intrinsic value.

Is. Newton

To the Right Honourable the Earl of Oxford & Earl Mortimer Lord High Treasurer of great Britain.

May it please your Lordship

By the weight & assay of forreign coins formerly taken in the Mint, Mexico pieces of 88 one with another are worth 4s 6d sterling in intrinsic value & Sevil pieces of 88 (old plate) are of the same intrinsic value with those of Mexico. And according to this value eight hundred eighty eight thousand eight hundred & eighty nine pieces of eight of either Mexico or Sevil (old plate) are worth two hundred thousand pounds & six pence sterling.

All which &c

Is. Newton


Exchangers reccon a piece of 88 worth 4s 3d5195 without distinguishing between the several sorts of pieces of 88. Mexico & Sevli pieces new coined are worth 4. 6. Pillar pieces are worth 4s 6d34. Peru pieces are more uncertain in their value Refiners reccon them not worth 4s 3d a piece one with another.

English Pieces of Eight are more worn & diminished then the english milled money & in this recconing I have made no allowance for the excess of wearing. Exchangers reccon a piece of eight at a par with 4s 3d5195 without distinguishing between the several sorts of pieces of eight: for pieces of eight of Peru are coarse & Refiners reccon them scarce worth 4s 3d.