what could be bought in 1868 with Elana's new 1868 shield nickel

1907Quarter

went with the vf+ nickel tonight-the XF$.02 will wait!! My father in-law pondered this question when he saw the shield. Who could've handled it but moreso, what could it buy? Is there an internet site that answers these questions on buying power way back when?

dthigpen

Fruit. Five cents could be you some fruit in 1868.

CharlesDarwin

There's a website that calculates what a dollar then, was worth today.

Linky

They give numerous answers:

0.64, 0.58, 5.15, 8.51, and 64.72

I have a hard time believing 64.72, so I average the rest: $3.72

So, basically in 1868 a Whopper w/ Cheese no onion and a medium Sprite cost 5 cents.

Not bad.

CD