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The Marteau Early 18th-Century
Currency Converter

Silver Coins
Compared 1670-1730
Metal Based Currency Conversions

Introduction

The following table will be a growing project in need of support. It notes (i) the coin analysed, (ii) its metal weight, (iii) its fineness, (iv) its fine metal content, (v) the factor to make this coin match the central currency unit [e.g. "63/20" for the Dutch Silver Rider being a coin of 63 stuivers in the guilder system, the guilder worth 20 stuivers]. The last column (vi) states the amount of fine silver the currency unit would have if it were minted with the quality of the coin you analysed.

The last column can be used to create conversion rates between any two currencies of your choice on the basis of coins you would change. Open the Dutch/English conversion tool and go the the bottom of the page – you will find there the rate at which the tool operates: 9 English pounds sterling are 100 Dutch guilders:

One pound sterling is (so the table bellow) 111.18 g fine silver (if shillings are chosen to make the pound), one Dutch guilder is 9.647 g fine silver (if the Silver Rider is the coin to be given into the exchange). The value for the Dutch guilder goes into the English field (you want this equivalent of English silver for one guilder), the 111.18 g silver of the pound sterling have to be entered into the Dutch field - this is Dutch silver you want for one pound sterling. The form will now read:

Table