The Regulating Silver Coin, Made Practicable and Easie, to the Government and Subject ebook

The Regulating Silver Coin, Made Practicable and Easie, to the Government and Subject is a seminal treatise published in 1696, during a period of significant economic turmoil and monetary crisis in England. Authored anonymously, the book addresses the pressing issue of the debasement and clipping of silver coinage, which had led to widespread confusion, loss of public trust, and economic instability. The work is both a practical guide and a policy proposal, aimed at both government officials and ordinary subjects, offering clear and actionable solutions to restore the integrity and value of the nation’s silver currency. The book meticulously examines the causes and consequences of the deteriorating state of English coinage, highlighting the rampant practices of clipping and counterfeiting that had eroded the value of silver coins. It provides a detailed analysis of the economic impact of these practices, including the disruption of trade, the loss of confidence in the currency, and the broader implications for the English economy and society. The author draws on contemporary examples and economic reasoning to underscore the urgency of reform. Central to the treatise is a set of practical recommendations for regulating and standardizing the silver coin. The author advocates for the recoinage of silver money to a uniform standard, the strict enforcement of laws against clipping and counterfeiting, and the establishment of efficient mechanisms for the exchange and circulation of new, full-weight coins. The book also discusses the roles and responsibilities of the government, the mint, and the public in ensuring the success of these reforms. Written in clear and accessible language, The Regulating Silver Coin seeks to demystify complex monetary issues for a broad audience, making it an important contribution to the public discourse of its time. It reflects the anxieties and aspirations of late 17th-century England, offering a window into the challenges of managing a national currency in an era before modern banking and financial systems. The treatise remains a valuable historical document, shedding light on the interplay between economics, policy, and society during a pivotal moment in English history.