Mark (unit) Mark (unit) The Mark (from Middle High German: Marc, march, brand) is originally a medieval weight or mass unit, which supplanted the pound weight as a precious metals and coinage weight from the 11th century. The Mark is traditionally a half pound weight and was usually divided into 8 ounces or 16 Lot. The significance of the "Cologne Mark" (Kölner Mark) in the German-speaking areas corresponded to about 234 gram. Like the German systems, the French poids de marc weight system considered one "Marc" equal to half-a-pound (8 ounces). Like the pound of 12 troy ounces (373 g), the mark
Economic reforms under Peter the Great small copper coins. The silver coins were quite large and were often cut into several parts, each part having its own turnover. As part of the monetary reform in the year 1704, a new, simple decimal system was introduced. Instead of the weight, each coin was valued by its decimal number. Eventually, Europe also started using this system, but it was much later. Minting of coins became the unconditional monopoly of the state. There were also gold coins, but they were mostly used for ceremonial purposes, as a reward to the soldiers. The ban on export of precious metals was