May 10, 2010

USA, 1849?: London & Paris Prices, Compared

In the 1850s, there was still a terminological confusion (platina = platinum) in many professional citations. But this little item - compared to contemporary US catalogues and cited prices - establishes that US wholesale for refined Platinum was ~ 85% higher than the European manufacturers.

There's no date on this Miscellany, but The Placer Times folded in 1850.  Also, the US wholesale price was about 23% higher than the European wholesale average for refined product. 

c.1849: 1 Troy Ounce of Platinum (pre-import: UK refined) = $ 6.75
c.1849: 1 Troy Ounce of Platinum (pre-import: Fr refined) = $ 6.32 
c.1849: 1 Troy Ounce of Platinum (pre-import: Ger refined) = $ 6.38
c.1849: 1 Troy Ounce of platina (ore, whols.) ~ $ 2.75

1854:1 Troy Ounce of Platinum (refined, US whols.) = $ 8.0
1854:1 Troy Ounce of Platinum (refined, US retail) = $ 9.60 - 12.0

1854: 1 Troy Ounce of platina (ore, retail) = $8.0
1854: 1 Troy Ounce of Platinum (scraps, retail) = $8.0


Citation: Mining magazine: devoted to mines, mining operations, metallurgy ... (1854) p.469

A curious footnote (c.1853) suggests a simmering rage certain dentists felt towards other, earlier industrial employers of Platinum.  This, before a wave of demand from electricians and photographers, twenty-five year later!  What is "actual commercial value" if not supply & demand in the marketplace?

It is very likely the Gold-Rush (with a dependence on platinum tools) drove the price much higher.

1854:



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