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Money and the Cost of Living
In the 18th century, France's monetary system was based on the livre. The livre was a theoretical value that was assigned to give value to goods. The livre was divided into sols and deniers. There were 20 sols in 1 livre, and there were 12 deniers in a sol. Coins were issued for sols, deniers, and some very large values of livre. People usually used these coins for barter for goods. In addition to French coins, Spanish and Portuguese coins also circulated in Louisbourg.
Like everywhere else, Louisbourg followed the laws of supply and demand. Since many goods were imported from France, prices would increase and decrease according to the season. In the winter, prices would be very high; in the summer, prices would be more affordable. In season, a chicken would cost 1 livre; so would a bottle of wine or a pair of children's shoes. A warm blanket would cost 12 livres, and an armchair could cost 80.
People received money just as we would, usually in the form of a yearly salary. At the top of the salary list was Commandant Duquesnel who would receive 9000 livres a year. Commissaire-Ordonnateur Bigot was second, receiving 2400 livres a year. Fishermen and shore workers where also paid reasonably well, receiving between 200-400 livres a year, depending on their skills. At the bottom of the list were soldiers making 18 livres a year.