The Charlotte journal. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1835-1851, 1841-11-18
ANCIENT MONTY.

Before the invasion Of julius Cesar, the
natives Of England had lin plates, iron plates
and rings, which were money, and their on
ly money. o. he authority Of Seneca,
curious accoun, is given Of period vhet
leather, appropriately stamped TO give 1t
certain legal character, was the only cur
rer! money. Al comparatively recent
date in the annals of Europe. Fredich the
second who died 10 1860, at the scige Of
Milan, actually paid his troops with leather
money. Nearly the same circumstance &C.
Cured in Eogland during the great wars Of
the barons. In the course Of 1850, hing
john, for the ransom Of his royal person,
promised to pay Edward the Third OF En-
glaud 10000 Of gold crowns. 10 order
to fulfil the obligation, he was reduced TO
the Notifying necessity Of paying the ex.
penses of ibe palace n leather money, in
Inc centre Of each piece there being little
fright point Of silver. In that reign is found
the origin Of the travesiied honor OF boy
hood, called--eouferrin leather medal.
The imposing ceremonies accompanying
presentation, gave full force, dignity, aud
value to leaihe- jewel, which noblemen
we're probably proud and gra!lded TO re
ceive at the band Of majesty.
So late as 1874, there vas an immense
issue of money 10 Holland stamped on small
sheets Of paste. board. But further back 10
| tie vista Of years, Numa pompilius, the Sc.
cond king Of Rome, who reigned 612
years befne the Christian era, made mo.
iney out of wood as well as leather; knowl.
edge Of which nigh. have influenced King
John in the bold projec, Of substituting the
tanned hide Of an animal for gold and silver,
we'll known to his subjects to be exceeding
/ ly precious.
Both gold and silver appear 10 have been
in extensive circulation in Egypt, soon al.
ter their potency was understood in Asia
From thence they were introduced into Car
,hage and Greece; and foally travelling
further and further in westerly direction,
the city Of Rome discovered the importance
of Iegalising their circulation.
Weight having always been Of the first
importance in early times, the shape CT mo-
ney appears to have been regarded with
perlec, indifference for series Of ages.
When the bits and portions o. metal re
ceived as precious, we're extensively circu
lated, i, is quite probable tina, each posses
sor shaped them TO suit his own conception
as practiscd TO some extent at this time II
remote places 10 the East Indies the pay
@. away cuts of part with shears, till he ob
tains, by exact weight, the stipulated
amount. 1t was thus that men travelled
With the evidence of their possession in {
sack. But great Inconvenience must have
resulted from this often tedious process; and
as nations advanced in civilization the eco
nonic arts, certain mark or impression
on certain sized pieces were acknowledged
to DO the sign OF certain weight. Thu
facilitated negotiations, and alterward led t
further improvements both in the shape
weight, and beauty of the external devices
BY and by the profile of the king, the
date Of the coinage, and The record of i'm
porlant events, gave still more completeness
and character TO the circulating article o
exchange.