28/31 Coinage is said to be _free_ if the subject or citizen may take bullion to the mint whenever he pleases, paying the usual seigniorage. Coinage is _limited_ if the government or ruler determines when coinage is to take place. Thus, coinage may be both free and gratuitous, when citizens are allowed to bring bullion whenever they please and have it converted into coins without charge or deduction. But coinage is free without being gratuitous when any citizen may bring metal to the mint, whenever he chooses, to be coined subject to the seigniorage charge. |