A suggestion on coinage
Citation:
Murphy, Joseph John. 'A suggestion on coinage'. - Dublin: Journal of the Statistical and Social Inquiry Society of Ireland,Vol. IX Part LXIX, 1888/1889, pp381-383Download Item:
Abstract:
The work of the British Mint is done gratuitously; the expense of
coining gold into sovereigns is borne, not by the merchant or banker,
or other person who sends the gold to the mint, but by the payers
of taxes. It is difficult to see the justice of this. No doubt it is a
matter of national concern that sovereigns should have a national
stamp which guarantees their purity and their weight. But it is no
part of the functions of a government to supply the country with its
currency; trade must supply the currency by means of which it is
to be carried on; the legitimate function of government in the matter
is limited to authenticating the coinage. Another closely kindred
function of government consists in enforcing the accuracy of
weights and measures. This ought to be done, so far as possible, at
the expense of those who use the weights and measures; and it would
be equally reasonable to require that those who take gold to the mint
for coinage should be charged with the expense of its coinage.
Description:
Read 18th December, 1888
Author: Murphy, Joseph John
Publisher:
Statistical and Social Inquiry Society of IrelandType of material:
Journal articleCollections
Series/Report no:
Journal of The Statistical and Social Inquiry Society of IrelandVol. IX Part LXIX 1888/1889
Availability:
Full text availableKeywords:
Coinage, Coin replacementISSN:
00814776Metadata
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