German money conversion
If a person in 1777, received 145 Taler, 2 albus, and 3 2/3 heller, approximately how much would this be worth today?
I understand that these are silver or gold coins and could vary in value by weight.
I have tried to convert these with no luck, as I am "math skills" challenged.
An approximate value is all I am looking for.
Thank you
Comments
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As with many things in life, the answer here is - it depends. Currency values differed depending on the place and timeframe - you've listed 1777, but not the place. Here's a link to a Wikipedia article that explains the value of a Thaler (which can also be called Gulden) in various locations and at various times -
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conventionsthaler
Having this as a background, you can also search Wikipedia for Albus and Heller, or you can go to this site
https://www.mittelalterrechner.de/Geld
to do the conversion. In the field labeled Anzahl (amount) type in the amount, eg. 145 for Thaler, then select Goldgulden from the dropdown for Münzart. then click on the red button below to get the result in today's currency - about 25 Euros or roughly $27. Repeat the process for Albus and Heller. (You can use Google Translate to translate the web page to English.)
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The conversion of historic into modern currencies has a number of limitations, in particular due to the vast differences in lifestyle and availability of goods. To get an understanding of the "value" of these historic currencies it may help to look at the contemporary prices of common goods. I found the following examples:
- By the end of the eighties of the 18th century, the average rent for two furnished rooms, including board, was 100 to 120 thalers a year.
- Around 1797, 10-12 pounds of pork, 12-14 pounds of beef, 18-20 pounds of veal or 12-14 pigeons cost one thaler each.
- At that time, for each one thaler one received 25 pounds of bread, 2 pounds of tobacco, 1/2 pound of tea or 2 bottles of champagne.
- For a tailor-made suit one had to spend 20 thalers.
- A Prussian administrative official (councilor) received a salary of 1000 to 1200 thalers, which was equivalent to 1720 to 2060 guilders.
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Thank you for reply. The area in which my ancester lived was Wiesbaden and Diedenbergen 1700-1777.
You have given me great sources to follow and more understanding of the monetary complexities.
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