Plumb to William H. Seward, December 12, 1867

Mr. Plumb to Mr. Seward.

Sir: I have the honor to transmit herewith copy and translation of an important decree issued by this government, under date of the 27th ultimo, establishing the decimal system of coinage.

The monetary unit of the Mexican Republic, under this decree, is to remain as heretofore, the silver dollar, with the same fineness and weight that it now has.

The subdivisions of the dollar are to be coins of fifty cents, twenty-five cents, ten cents, and five cents. The coin of one cent is to be of copper, or an alloy of that metal. The gold coins are to be pieces of twenty dollars, ten dollars, five dollars, two dollars and fifty cents, and one dollar.

The weight, diameter, and fineness of the coins is established according to the metrical decimal system, and after ninety days from the date of the publication of the decree, it is to be obligatory upon all assayers throughout the republic to mark the fineness of gold and silver in thousandths instead of the Spanish terms of “dineras,” “quiiates,” and “granos,” heretofore in use.

From the 15th of September, 1868, the circulation of money of the so-called imperial coinage, and of twelve and a half and six and a quarter cent pieces is to be abolished.

The early attention to so important a reform as that effected by this decree reflects great credit upon this government.

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,