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To: SunkenCiv

Today:
A medieval wooden notebook with wax pages (known as a wax tablet) typically costs between ($20) and ($75), depending on the size, craftsmanship, and included accessories. These sets usually include a hinged wooden tablet filled with beeswax and a stylus for writing and erasing...

Back in the day:
A medieval wax notebook would have cost between (2 to 5 pence) in 14th-century England. Because a skilled artisan earned about (5 pence) per day, this means a standard reusable wax tablet was very affordable—costing anywhere from half a day’s to a single day’s wages. The pricing breakdown provides excellent context for what dictated these values:

Materials: Basic wood and beeswax were cheap. A craftsman could easily make one at home or buy the materials from a local market.

The Stylus: The writing tool was a separate expense. A basic bone, wooden, or simple iron stylus would cost about (1 to 2 pence). A more ornate brass or bronze stylus could raise the price slightly.

*Money goes as follows:

1 pound (L) = 20 shillings (s)
1 crown = 5 shillings
1 shilling = 12 pence (d)
1 penny = 4 farthings
1 mark = 13s 4d

The French Livre, sou, and denier are equivalent to the pound, shilling and penny (Latin liber, solidus, and denarius).

*https://medieval.ucdavis.edu/120D/Money.html


34 posted on 05/28/2026 1:00:46 PM PDT by BFW
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To: BFW

*https://medieval.ucdavis.edu/120D/Money.html

Thanks for the info. Interesting.


43 posted on 05/29/2026 5:04:23 AM PDT by flaglady47 (Trump cannot be Trumped)
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To: BFW

*https://medieval.ucdavis.edu/120D/Money.html

Thanks for the info. Interesting.


44 posted on 05/29/2026 5:04:40 AM PDT by flaglady47 (Trump cannot be Trumped)
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