§ Mr. RAFFANasked the Secretary to the Treasury if his attention has been called to the statement in the Press that on or about the 18th instant the price or bar gold had risen to 102s. per oz.; what is the highest price per oz. at which the Mint authorities have purchased it during the present month; if the oz. is the troy oz. of gold, eleven-twelfths fine, or what other weight and fineness; and whether the price was for payment in actual gold coin or in instruments of credit, such as notes, cheques, and bills?
§ Mr. BALDWINThe Mint does not purchase gold, but, under Section 8 of the 1643W Coinage Act, 1870, assays and coins gold brought to it, delivering the resulting coin to the bringer. The price of 102s. referred to for gold in the market is the sterling price for troy troy oz. of fine gold.