soldi and denari, similar aliquot parts. Hence the custom of keeping Florentine accounts, (1) a oro, or (2) a moneta di piccioli, the one in terms of the florin of gold, the other in terms of the imaginary lira.
The confusion to which this led was due to the unstable nature of the imaginary money, which from 1312 continually depreciates in value, as compared with the actual hard florin money. In 1314, as some measure of reform, it was ordained that the florin of gold should not equal more nor less than 29 of the soldi of this lira, and that it should never change from such course—the distinction of moneta bianca and nera being introduced for the purpose. The ceasing of the observation of this regulation in the sixteenth century made way for every kind of confusion.