Isaac Newton -- A Cutlass Man

Message:


https://x.com/AmeliajakSolana/status/2017896462449848670

In 1696, England's currency was in crisis. Coin clippers were shaving silver off the edges of coins, melting it down, and spending the debased coins at full face value. Around 10% of the nation's currency was counterfeit. Riots broke out 🔥

Britain's solution? Put Sir Isaac Newton in charge of the Royal Mint.

Not just gravity, you see.

Newton recalled every coin in the country. Melted them all down. Reminted them with a reeded edge - ridges along the rim that made clipping instantly visible.

Before Newton arrived, the Mint produced 15,000 coins a week.

He had them turning out 50,000.

Then he went undercover. Disguised himself. Visited taverns and dens. Built networks of informants. Prosecuted over 100 counterfeiters.

At least two dozen were hanged at Tyburn.


Yours,