The Remarkable Efficiency of the Dollar-Sterling Gold Standard, 1890–1906

B-Tier
Journal: Journal of Economic History
Year: 1989
Volume: 49
Issue: 1
Pages: 1-41

Score contribution per author:

2.011 = (α=2.01 / 1 authors) × 1.0x B-tier

α: calibrated so average coauthorship-adjusted count equals average raw count

Abstract

The article develops a model of gold-standard efficiency in the context of the theory of efficient asset markets. Efficiency is measured by the ratio of experienced disutility to the hypothetical loss under perfect gold arbitrage and neutral exchange-rate speculation. Dollar-sterling gold-point estimates for 1890 to 1906 are generated using the methodology of focusing on the dominant arbitrageurs, the prevailing exchange instrument, and the primary form of gold shipped. Gold- standard efficiency is remarkably high and only marginally below exchange- market efficiency from 1950 to 1966 under Bretton Woods.

Technical Details

RePEc Handle
repec:cup:jechis:v:49:y:1989:i:01:p:1-41_00
Journal Field
Economic History
Author Count
1
Added to Database
2026-01-26