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Reconstruction of the Spanish Money Supply, 1492-1810

Author

Listed:
  • Felix Ward

    (Erasmus University Rotterdam)

  • Yao Chen

    (Erasmus University Rotterdam)

  • Nuno Palma

    (University of Manchester)

Abstract

How did the Spanish money supply evolve in the aftermath of the discovery of large amounts of precious metals in Spanish America? We synthesize the available data on the mining of precious metals and their international flow to estimate the money supply for Spain from 1492 to 1810. Our estimate suggests that the Spanish money supply increased more than ten-fold. Viewed through the equation of exchange this money supply increase can account for most of the price level rise in early modern Spain.

Suggested Citation

  • Felix Ward & Yao Chen & Nuno Palma, 2021. "Reconstruction of the Spanish Money Supply, 1492-1810," Tinbergen Institute Discussion Papers 21-033/VI, Tinbergen Institute, revised 10 May 2021.
    • Handle: RePEc:tin:wpaper:20210033
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    Cited by:

    1. Palma, Nuno & Charotti, Carlos Javier & dos Santos, Joao Pereira, 2022. "American treasure and the decline of Spain," CEPR Discussion Papers 17020, C.E.P.R. Discussion Papers.
    2. Adam Brzezinski & Nuno Palma & Francois R. Velde, 2024. "Understanding Money Using Historical Evidence," Working Paper Series WP 2024-10, Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago.
    3. Nuno Palma & André C. Silva, 2024. "Spending A Windfall," International Economic Review, Department of Economics, University of Pennsylvania and Osaka University Institute of Social and Economic Research Association, vol. 65(1), pages 283-313, February.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    early modern period; equation of exchange; quantity theory of money;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • E31 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Prices, Business Fluctuations, and Cycles - - - Price Level; Inflation; Deflation
    • E51 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Monetary Policy, Central Banking, and the Supply of Money and Credit - - - Money Supply; Credit; Money Multipliers
    • N13 - Economic History - - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics; Industrial Structure; Growth; Fluctuations - - - Europe: Pre-1913

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