Course of the Exchange, & c. London, Tuesday, August 27, 1776. London Stock Exchange broadsheet.
London: Peter Smithson (And the Sister of the late John Castaing), 1776. An invaluable resource for economic and financial historians for the history of the London stock exchange. This scarce early broadsheet still carries the name of the man who first issued a list of stock and commodity prices in 1698-- John Castaing. His list, which he began in 1698, is the earliest evidence of trading in an organized form in London in marketable securities. After his death, his sister was allowed to continue publishing the list along with Peter Smithson.
The broadsheet was published shortly after a group of London stock brokers erected their own building to buy and sell shares, in Sweeting's Alley (1773). The building, with coffee room above the dealing room, was called "the stock exchange".
The reports, published twice a week on Tuesdays and Fridays, lists the values for 16 exchanges from Amsterdam to Dublin; the price of gold, cochineal (comodity used for dye), grain, and stocks for the preceding three days, the first three being Bank Stock, India Stock and South Sea Stock (the collapse of the South Sea Company bubble occurred in 1720, but the company remained in existence until 1853).
The broadsheet measures 4 1/2 x 11", laid down, with irregular tear at top edge where it has been pulled down after being posted. Very good condition. Item #23268
Sold