What did you get for a Dollar ?

[TheDane]

Hi TNetters

I am interested in the value of different currencies at the historical time of their minting.
What could you actually buy for the money.
My question:

What could you get for a US-Dollar:

In 1800
In 1850
In 1900
In 1950
? ? ?

I thank you for any help !

 

[Jeff H]

TheDane, actually looking for the same thing today myself. Came across the following info. Link to site at bottom.


Food Prices 1800's

Think it was easier living during the Industrial Revolution? Here's some of the prices for food they were paying per week just to live.

1 bag of flour $1.80
Small measure of potatoes daily at .17 per day $1.19
1/4 lb of tea .38
1 qt milk .56
1 lb cheap coffee .35
Sugar 3 1/2 lb $1.05
1/2 ration meats per week $3.50
4 lb. butter $1.60
2 lb. lard .38
Dried apples for treats .25
Vegetables .50
Soap, starch, pepper, salt, vinegar, etc. $1.00
2 bushels of coal $1.36
Kerosene .30
Sundries .28
Rent $4.00 week

Total $18.50

The average wage earner only made $16.00 a week. Some trades only made two, three, four, or six dollars a week. This family spent $2.50 more a week than the father made, and had nothing left for entertainment or clothing. The men driving the horse drawn streetcars in New York in the 1880's made $1.75 a day working 14 to 16 hr. a day.
During the Industrial Revolution, even children were employed, and working 14 to 16 hours a day.

http://oldrecipebook.com/1800s-livingcost.shtml

 

[TheDane]

Thanks Jeff. Very interesting information !