[ 46 * ] 
XL VIII. An Inquiry into the V alue of the 
ancient Greek and Roman Money: By 
Matthew Raper, Efq\ F. R, S. 
Introduction. 
Read Dec. | 1HE firfl writers, who, after the- 
J|_ revival of learning in Europe, made 
the Greek and Roman money an objedl of their in- 
quiries, took great pains to colled: and explain fuch 
pafTages in antient authors as related to it ; but very, 
little to difeover its true value. In fo much, that 
fome of them have fuppofed the Roman Aureus to 
have been lieavier than the Greek Philippic (i) > 
and others, that the Denarius was heaver than the 
Attic Drachm ; but moft of them agreed in this,, that 
the two laft mentioned coins were exactly equal. 
All which, opinions are proved to be erroneous by 
the coins themlclves now« in being. 
(^i); S«e Gronovius, de pecunia veteie, 1. ii. c. 8* 
