Souvenir of £90m jackpots
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A poster to be auctioned by Phillips next month has revealed that today's lottery jackpots are small change compared with the prizes that were on offer in 1787.
Then there were two jackpots of £20,000 - equivalent in today's money to £90.9m.
The poster, to be auctioned on 9 February, is headed "English State-Lottery, 1786. Begins drawing February 12, 1787". It is estimated to fetch £80-£100.
Prizes advertised include 3 at £10,000 (equivalent to £45.5m each), 5 at £5,000 (£22.7m), 10 at £2,000 (£9m), 15 at £1,000 (£4.5m), 30 at £500 (£2.3m), and 100 at £100 (£454,500). Tickets cost six pence each, £113 in today's terms.
The first English lottery was held by Queen Elizabeth I in 1566 to finance the Virginia Colony. Others funded schemes such as Westminster Bridge and the British Museum. In 1826Treasury officials ran off with all the prize money.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments