How much is a 'pound' compared to the American dollar and what would 500 pounds a year be equivalent to in the 1800's?

Hamlet.

The value of the "pound" compared to the "dollar" constantly changes depending on the rate of exchange. In order to know the value of 500 pounds in dollars during the 1800's, it would be necessary to know the exact day and year... Sep 29 03, 9:50 PM

Gnomon

In 1800 in the UK it was possible to by a fashionable house in the second biggest city for 200 pounds. This would be a five-storey house with kitchen, two reception rooms and three bedrooms, suitable for a family with two servants. (There was no bathroom). The servant maid got paid about 1 pound a year. Sep 30 03, 2:14 AM

bloomsby

When the pound was on the gold standard (1823-1914 and 1925-31) the exchange rate was £1 = $4.86 plus or minus 1% either way. (This probably didn't apply during the American Civil War). In 1800 the pound was worth somewhat less than this because of the Napoleonic Wars. Obviously, there are real problems with such figures, as British and American 'shopping-baskets' contained different articles - and so on. Oct 06 03, 6:33 PM