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