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 coined. These were called groats, or groschen, sixty being counted to a pound of silver. The coinage of money belonged exclusively to the rulers of countries, who often abused the privilege, both by making poor money and by frequent changes. Whenever new coins were minted, the people were ordered to return the old, always at a discount, and thus the frequent changes were a source of revenue to the ruler, but an intolerable hardship to the people. Václav did away with this evil by ordering good money to be coined, that remained in circulation, not only in his own country, but was gladly taken as legal tender in all other European States.

During this time the country known afterwards as Poland, was composed of several principalities, the rulers of which were at war with each other. As their quarrels showed no signs of being settled, through the instrumentality of Gryfina, the aunt of Václav, the government was offered to him, and thus Bohemia and Poland were united under one crown. Later, similar troubles arising in Hungary, Václav was also offered the crown of that country; but he refused it in favor of his son, who was therefore made King of Hungary.

King Václav was a devoted son of the Church. Being immensely wealthy, he endowed churches and monasteries, granting many privileges to the priesthood. He was also exceedingly fond of show. He aimed to have his court equal in splendor to any court in Europe. During his coronation, in 1297, the feasts and public entertainments were on so grand a scale as had never been seen in Bohemia before. To enable everybody to have a share in the good things provided,