Monetary Paradoxes

XVII.

That the very lowest shopkeepers and craftsmen can distinguish better between intrinsic and extrinsic value original: "inter bonitatem intrinſecam & extrinſecam." Intrinsic value refers to the actual silver content of a coin, while extrinsic value is the arbitrary face value assigned by the state. than the best lawyers can.

XVIII.

That the Master of Arts, the Muse, and the Priest original: "Magiſter, Muſa, Sacerdos." This refers to the educated classes—scholars, artists, and clergy—who lived on fixed incomes or tithes. complain about "Specie" Specie: a pun on the Latin "species" (outward appearance) and the German "Speciestaler" (a high-quality silver coin). They complain that the appearance of wealth remains, but the actual value is gone., for they no longer derive any happiness or fruit original: "Felix oder Fructus" from their great reputation.

XIX.

That the best imperial thalers Reichsthaler: the standard high-quality silver coin of the Holy Roman Empire. produce the very worst coinage. A reference to the practice of melting down good "heavy" coins to mint a larger number of debased "light" coins for profit.

XX.

That nowadays one finds no more usurers Zinſswucherer: those who charge illegally high interest., and yet most people are becoming beggars. The author suggests that the official state-sanctioned debasement of currency is so destructive that private moneylenders are no longer the primary cause of ruin.

XXI.

That it is up to the money-traders to value the land and its people, and not the princes.

XXII.

That a new litany A form of prayer used in church services consisting of a series of petitions. must be composed: From evil money, protect us, dear LORD God.

XXIII.

That the thieves who rob a single person are hanged, while those who make everyone poor are granted privileges. A critique of the "mint-lords" and officials who were legally authorized to debase the currency, effectively robbing the entire population without legal consequence.

XXIV.

That Belial’s palace Belial is a biblical figure representing worthlessness, lawlessness, or the devil. must be built; otherwise, the money-traders would have no place to stay.

XXV.

That the world was conquered by Alexander the Great through war, but is conquered by the coin-stampers Pregern: from "Präger," those who strike or stamp coins. through money.

XXVI.

That it is not necessary to argue against letters and seals Refers to legal contracts, treaties, and debts.; for they cannot be kept anyway. Because the value of money changed so rapidly, debts and contracts became impossible to fulfill or enforce fairly.