In his latest book, which forms the basis of this lecture, Oliver Volckart examines the conditions that shaped the monetary outlook of the member states of the Holy Roman Empire, paying particular attention to the uneven access to silver and gold. Following closely the negotiations that prepared the common currency, he is able to illuminate the interest groups that were formed, what their agendas and ulterior motives were, how alliances were forged, and how it was eventually possible to obtain majority agreement on what a common currency should look like: a silver-based currency that was introduced in 1559-66.
Oliver Volckart is Professor of Economic History at LSE. His research interests include late medieval and early modern economic history; the Holy Roman Empire; economic and, specifically, monetary politics.
Sara Horrell is the Deputy Head (Research) in the Department of Economic History at LSE. Her current projects include women and children’s work and wages, and family living standards in Britain, 1280-1860.
The Department of Economic History (@LSEEcHist) is one of the world's leading centres for research and teaching economic history. It is home to a huge breadth and depth of knowledge and expertise ranging from the medieval period to the current century.
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