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—