Page:Georg Freidrich Knapp - The State Theory of Money (1924 translation).pdf/91

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74
THE STATE THEORY OF MONEY
Chap.

uncertain as to the nature of the means of paymentand makes inconsistent ordinances. Traces of a relapse into the pensatory system can be found long after the Chartal system is in force.

Among these are the regulations as to least current weight. In the German Empire, least current weight has been abolished in the case of all paratypic coins. However diminished in weight, the thalers are always worth three marks, as long as they are at all recognisable; and so with the silver, copper and nickel coins of the German Empire. This is absolutely right under the Chartal system of currency, where validity is independent of content. On the other hand, for (illegible text)rthotypic money (gold coins) least current weight is (illegible text)etained. If the loss of weight in these pieces is more than ½ per cent., they are no longer valid in private circulation.

The least current weight is therefore 99½ per cent. of the prescribed weight. This is a quite unnecessary (illegible text)lapse into the pensatory system. If the Chartal system is intended to abolish weighing, what is the meaning of this regulation, which again calls in the (illegible text)ales?

Obviously it is to assure to the private person in any case a "real" satisfaction, if only to that small extent. The rule, however, is completely superfluous, for, quite rightly, in Germany the State remains bound to take even the most worn pieces as if of full weight i. e. according to their validity by proclamation.