But the mint price of fine gold is 740 livres 9 sols 1 denier.

The difference, therefore, between the mint price of fine gold, and the worth of it in the coin, (viz. 61 livres 3 sols 2 deniers) will shew exactly the price of coinage.

If we ask how much this makes per cent. we may state it thus,

740.409 : 801.68 :: 100 : 108.2.

The price of coinage 8⅕ per cent. upon gold.

So in France there are 8.2 per cent. deducted for coinage of the gold.

By the foregoing calculations it appears, that the King takes above 8 per cent. upon the coinage both of gold and silver.

Which no way stops the mint.

For many years past there have been no violent methods used to bring bullion to the mint, and yet we see, by the dates upon the French coin, what great quantities have been struck both of gold and silver. This is a most convincing proof, I think, that the imposition of coinage, when properly laid on, is no interruption to the mint; and being a matter of fact well determined, is a confirmation of that principle.

Of the proportion of the metals.