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Acehnese mas–tael accounting

A mas bought very different amounts of rice as ships arrived or supplies tightened.1

Years
Under research
Where
Aceh, northern Sumatra
Family
Other origins
Status
Under research

A mas bought very different amounts of rice as ships arrived or supplies tightened. Dampier reports about fourteen or fifteen bamboo measures in plenty, against three or four in scarcity. The unit lets us see a change in the price of a staple.1

He reckons sixteen mas to a tael, while describing cash exchange rates and worn gold pieces separately. The money’s counted value, exchange value and physical weight were related without always coinciding.1

Spanish dollars also circulated at variable mas prices. Their presence does not, by itself, make the dollar an ancestor of this local reckoning. Earlier origins and later conversion of Acehnese obligations remain open.1

A fuller story is under research.

Timeline

  1. Rice, cash and the mas

    Dampier records prices and variable exchange practices at Aceh.1

Coins and notes

Images are under research. Each image will carry its caption, collection credit and public-domain or CC0 license.

How do we know?

Earlier stages not yet researched.

Complete evidence record →
Legal history and sources
Witnessed use
Dampier’s visits, 1688–1689
Larger unit
16 mas = 1 tael
Cash rate
Variable; no permanent cash-to-mas parity assumed

During Dampier’s 1688–1689 visits to Aceh, rice was priced by the mas (his Mess): one bought around 14–15 bamboo measures in plenty, but only 3–4 in scarcity. He reckons 16 mas to a tael; cash rates, coin weights and Spanish-dollar prices varied separately.1

Source notes

  1. William Dampier; University of Exeter, Famine and Dearth project transcription · Voyages and Descriptions, volume II, part I: Achin

    Achin section, printed pp. 131–136: mas (Mess), tale and rice prices; visits of 1688–1689

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Cite this currency

“Acehnese mas–tael accounting.” The Family Tree of Money. Field Technologies, Inc. Data v52; accessed 15 October 2026.

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