In this paper, the problem of why low-purchasing power silver coins depreciated relative to high-purchasing power gold coins is examined. The standard explanation by Sargent and Velde is refuted. It is argued that the relative stability of gold was due to the demand from consumers able to detect...

1. The sixth Lord Robbins memorial lecture : reform of the international monetary system / Robert A. Mundell -- 2. The state of the world economy / introduced by Paul A. Samuelson -- 3. The euro in Europe and the world / introduced by Christopher Johnson -- 4. Monetary policy and economic growth...

The contributions to this volume offer an insight into the way that economists analyse the causes of money (mis)management in the US, Latin America, Europe and Japan, and prescribe stabilizing reforms. The mechanisms that link monetary policy - including foreign exchange regimes and the...