USA, Switz./Belg., c.1888: Metal Prices Compared

Discrepancies appear in US metal price lists republished from British & Continental sources.  It appears that the latter are most often verifiable (likely correct) elsewhere, whereas purported 'US prices' either have obvious errors or may include higher retail prices.

c.1888: 1 Troy Oz. Platinum (ore, whols.)  = USD$ 7.79

c.1888: 1 Troy Oz. Palladium= (error) ...

c.1888: 1 Troy Oz. Osmium (refined? whols.)  = USD$ 38.13
c.1888: 1 Troy Oz. Ruthenium (refined, whols.)  = USD$ 112.
c.1888: 1 Troy Oz. Iridium (refined, whols.)  = USD$ 40.63
c.1888: 1 Troy Oz. Rhodium (error or retail)  = USD$ 612.

c.1888: 1 Troy Oz. Platinum (refined, whols.)  = Fr 31.10 - 37.33 (USD$ 6. - 7.20)

c.1888: 1 Troy Oz. Palladium (refined, whols.) = Fr 479.63 (USD$ 92.20)

c.1888: 1 Troy Oz. Osmium (refined, whols.)  = Fr 445.26 (USD$ 85.59)
c.1888: 1 Troy Oz. Ruthenium (refined, whols.)  = Fr 822. (USD$ 158.25)
c.1888: 1 Troy Oz. Iridium (refined, whols.)  = Fr 373.41 (USD$ 71.92)

c.1888: 1 Troy Oz. Rhodium (refined, whols.)  = Fr 787.87 (USD$ 151.75)

c.1887/8:


This Swiss watchmakers' publication may offer an accurate comprehensive list of rare metals; variations in other French & British papers followed over the next few years.

1887/8:

Citation: Journal suisse d'horlogerie, By Société des arts de Genève. Classe d'industrie et de commerce (1888/9), p.224