The main reduction took place at two periods, 1519 and 1540, and with a consequent change in the ratio slightly in favour of silver. The earliest find in America was gold, and at first this metal shows a tendency to depreciate. Concurrently silver, as the overvalued metal, commenced to disappear from circulation. It was to prevent this export that in 1519 the _écu au soleil_ was advanced to 40 sols., and again in 1532 to 45 sols.--an advance of 12-1/2 per cent. The silver _testoon_ was advanced at the same time from 10 sols. to 10 sols. 6 dens., an advance of 5 per cent. Even so equilibrium was not produced, and disorders in the currency continued, along with the prevalence of lower-rated coins. The town of Marseilles complained of it in a petition to the King (8th May 1539), and the important edict of Blois, 1540, which left the _écus au soleil_ untouched at 45 sols., while advancing the _testoon_ to 10 sols. 8 dens., was professedly and purposely issued "to more equalise the silver with the value of the gold, and consequently to make the value of our monies, both red and white, corresponding." Two years later the States-General when they met complained of the lack of currency, and demanded the opening of the Mint at Aix. The request was granted, but without visible result. The same process of advance, unequally maintained, continued under Henry II. and Charles IX. (see accompanying tables). [Illustration: TABLE OF THE MOVEMENT OF GOLD & SILVER IN FRANCE 1493-1662.] TABLE OF THE MOVEMENT OF GOLD AND SILVER IN FRANCE, 1500-1660.