The Pamphlet Collection of Sir Robert Stout: Volume 82
VII.—Currency and Exchange
VII.—Currency and Exchange.
Chilian dollars and half-dollars are the principal currency here, though English money is preferred by the natives and traders alike. The debased coinage was introduced many years ago by Messrs. Goddefroi and Co. and Messrs. Brander and Co.; and though it is heartily detested by the present race of traders, it is found impos- page 54 sible to get rid of it. As a rule, bills are paid by the exchange of produce, as it would entail a heavy loss to remit coin. Herr Zierig, the manager of the German store here, often cannot obtain produce from the natives in exchange for his goods; and when he remits Chili coin to head-quarters at Tahiti (where, be it remembered, the coin is current), he is charged a discount of 7 per cent.