it 11 deniers 12 grains fine, M. Tillet estimates the value of the drachma to have been equivalent to 18 sols (9d.) and a quarter of a denier of our money. We shall disregard this fraction of the denier, and say, that taking these to have been, as they probably were, the true weight and fineness, the value of the talent was 5400 livres (2251.) It is from this valuation that I have drawn up the following table. If, supposing the tetradrachm of the same fineness, we allow it to weigh only 312 grains; the drachma, which will then weigh only 78 grains, will be worth only 17 sols 9 deniers (84d.) and the talent 5325 livres (2211. 17s. 6d.). Thus diminishing or augmenting the weight of the drachma by a grain diminishes or augments the value of that drachma by 3 deniers (half a farthing); and that of the talent by 75 livres (31. 2s. 6d.), supposing the silver always of the same fineness.

To estimate the comparative value of the Athenian and our money to greater exactness, it would be necessary to compare the respective value of commodities. But I have found so many variations in the prices of those of Athens, and so little assistance in ancient authors, that I have abandoned this design. Besides, the Table which I here give, only required a general approximation to the true value.

In it, as I have already said, I suppose the drachma to weigh 79 grains, and to be 11 deniers 12 grains fine. The Table is only relative to the second kind of tetradrachms.

TABLE XV.

Grecian Weights reduced to French and English.

The Attic talent weighed 60 minæ, or 6000 drachmas. We take the weight of the drachma at 79 French grains. With us the gros contains 72 grains, the ounce 8 gros or 576 grains, the marc 8 ounces or 4608 grains, and the pound 2 marcs or 9216 grains.