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Making The Little Guy Pay: Payments-System Networks, Cross-Subsidization, And The Collapse Of The Suffolk System

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  • Bodenhorn, Howard

Abstract

In the early nineteenth century, the Suffolk Bank established a regional banknote clearing network. Despite the benefits offered, many of the system's member banks were unhappy with it and quickly affiliated with an alternative clearing network as soon as it appeared. The reason for the quick abandonment of the Suffolk system was that it failed to price its network clearing services efficiently. Pressured by large Boston banks to shift the costs of the system to small country banks, the Suffolk engaged in inefficient cross-subsidization. Once a competitor emerged that priced efficiently, it drove the Suffolk from the market.

Suggested Citation

  • Bodenhorn, Howard, 2002. "Making The Little Guy Pay: Payments-System Networks, Cross-Subsidization, And The Collapse Of The Suffolk System," The Journal of Economic History, Cambridge University Press, vol. 62(1), pages 147-169, March.
  • Handle: RePEc:cup:jechis:v:62:y:2002:i:01:p:147-169_04
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    1. repec:wvu:wpaper:10-20 is not listed on IDEAS
    2. Salter, Alexander William & Young, Andrew T., 2018. "A theory of self-enforcing monetary constitutions with reference to the Suffolk System, 1825–1858," Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Elsevier, vol. 156(C), pages 13-22.
    3. Barry Eichengreen, 2008. "Sui Generis EMU," NBER Working Papers 13740, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    4. Young, Andrew T. & Dove, John A., 2013. "Policing the chain gang: Panel cointegration analysis of the stability of the Suffolk System, 1825–1858," Journal of Macroeconomics, Elsevier, vol. 37(C), pages 182-196.
    5. Shambaugh, Jay C., 2006. "An experiment with multiple currencies: the American monetary system from 1838-60," Explorations in Economic History, Elsevier, vol. 43(4), pages 609-645, October.

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