Abstract

The English re-coinage of 1696 was one of the great monetary events in history. By 1695 almost 50% of the specie content was missing from coinage in circulation, causing a monetary crisis. In May 1696 England's debased coinage was demonetised and new full-weight coins were issued, setting in motion events instrumental in the creation of the British Gold Standard. Charles Davenant, an author of economic tracts, politician and civil servant, was an important voice during formulation of the recoinage policy. This chapter looks beyond the debate between John Locke, Isaac Newton and William Lowndes into the deeper theoretical and political concepts behind the final decision to re-coin the English currency.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)83-116
Number of pages34
JournalStudies on Voltaire and the Eighteenth Century
Issue number5
Publication statusPublished - 2014

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Cultural Studies
  • General Arts and Humanities
  • Sociology and Political Science

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