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[[Norway Genealogy|'''''Norway''''']] | [[Norway Genealogy|'''''Norway''''']] | ||
A genealogist working with Norwegian records frequently comes upon references to currency in probate records, tax assessments, and censuses. Official documents were sometimes issued for a fee. Norway, like other countries, has gone through several monetary systems in its history. Most of us are familiar with the present decimal system, that of a krone divided into 100 øre, but that is only | A genealogist working with Norwegian records frequently comes upon references to currency in probate records, tax assessments, and censuses. Official documents were sometimes issued for a fee. Norway, like other countries, has gone through several monetary systems in its history. Most of us are familiar with the present decimal system, that of a krone divided into 100 øre, but that is only one of a series of monetary systems with which our ancestors were familiar. | ||
Although very few of us will find written records for ancestors before 1600, perhaps some background information on early currency is not superfluous; some of the terms are found i later usage. | Although very few of us will find written records for ancestors before 1600, perhaps some background information on early currency is not superfluous; some of the terms are found i later usage. | ||
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One way of measuring the value of money is by figuring how many working days it would require to earn a "tønne" (barrel or cask; about four bushels) of barley. In 1830 twelve days, in 1876, ten days, and in 1900 seven days; in 1968 two days. | One way of measuring the value of money is by figuring how many working days it would require to earn a "tønne" (barrel or cask; about four bushels) of barley. In 1830 twelve days, in 1876, ten days, and in 1900 seven days; in 1968 two days. | ||
A day's wage for manual labor in 1876 was 80 øre, in 1968 6000 øre, about 75 times as much: while a loaf of rye bread in 1876 cost 18 øre and in 1968 140, less than 8 times as much. | A day's wage for manual labor in 1876 was 80 øre, in 1968 6000 øre, about 75 times as much: while a loaf of rye bread in 1876 cost 18 øre and in 1968 140, less than 8 times as much. | ||
Any genealogical records can be greatly enriched by adding information about an ancestor's economic status gleaned from the local court records, but an understanding of the current monetary system and what buying power the money had is essential. | Any genealogical records can be greatly enriched by adding information about an ancestor's economic status gleaned from the local court records, but an understanding of the current monetary system and what buying power the money had is essential. | ||
[[Category:Norway]] | [[Category:Norway]] | ||