AMERICAN MONETARY INSTITUTE
P.O. Box 601, Valatie, NY 12184
ami@taconic.net
A foundation dedicated to the study of monetary history, monetary theory and monetary reform. Stephen Zarlenga director.
This paper has been incorporated into Chapter 2 of The Lost Science of Money,
and is no longer sold seperately. The book can be found in bookstores or can be ordered at a discount direct from the AMI. (Click here to view the Lost Science of Money book details and order form)
ROME'S BRONZE MONEY - BETTER THAN GOLD
A paper examining Roman money systems from Numa to Constantine the Great; with emphasis on Rome's copper numerary system of the early Republic. While in the east, gold and silver coinage were used as money, Rome chose to base her money on bronze. The evolution of this monetization process is described as well as the surviving document indicating exactly how a higher money value was imparted to the bronze, than its commodity value; the same method used in modern monetary systems. (no - not a legal tender declaration!) The paper proposes that the bronze money disenfranchised the "wealth" and power of the eastern temples and merchants, and enabled Rome to better control her monetary system and her destiny. The argument is made that this was a crucial factor in the rise of Rome to independent power; later to degenerate into creator and ruler of the (old) WORLD ORDER. (15 pages; footnoted; $15 postpaid; students $7)