‘1883’: Here’s How Much the $50 Mirror Would Be Worth Today and the Secret Meaning Behind the Gift
1883 has had its fair share of violence and death so far. Fans were devastated when Ennis was killed in episode 5, taking away Elsa’s first love. However, another romance is developing in the Yellowstone prequel. Noemi has taken an interest in Thomas and the Pinkerton Agent clearly has been thinking about her too. In 1883 Episode 6 he buys her an expensive mirror for a gift. But just how much would the mirror cost in today’s money, and why did Thomas buy it for Noemi in the first place?
Thomas buys Noemi a mirror in ‘1883’ Episode 6
Shea Brennan and Thomas first took notice of Noemi after her husband was killed on the journey. The duo decided to look after Noemi and make sure she and her children make it to Oregon safely. Noemi later offers Thomas some stew and watches him eat, hinting she may have some real feelings for him.
In 1883 Episode 6, Shea’s group reach a trading post. Thomas offers to take some of Noemi’s late husband’s possessions and sell them for her. At the trading post, he spots a beautiful mirror. He buys it for Noemi for $50, a very large amount of money in 1883.
How much was $50 worth in ‘1883’?
Unlike Taylor Sheridan’s modern-day series Yellowstone, 1883 is set over a century in the past. It’s easy to get confused by some things in the time period of the prequel series. For example, $50 in 1883 was worth a lot more than today’s money.
The CPI Inflation Calculator estimates that every $1 in 1883 is worth $27.60 in today’s money. This means that $50 back then would be the equivalent of $1,380 today. With this in mind, it’s easy to see why Thomas’ purchase of the mirror was such a big deal.
When Thomas gives the mirror to Noemi, he explains why he chose it for her. “Well, if I looked like you I figure I’d stare at myself every chance I got,” he told Noemi. LaMonica Garrett talked about Thomas’ decision to buy the mirror in an interview with TV Insider.
“That mirror was just something that caught his eye,” Garrett told the outlet. “He said it’s pretty, and it was pretty, but the explanation for it was a little awkward. And I think that’s funny, coming from Thomas.”
Gratiela Brancusi explains the hidden significance of the mirror
Gratiela Brancusi plays Noemi in 1883. The actor further explained the significance of Thomas’ gift in an interview with TV Line. “The mirror tells her that she’s on his mind and in his heart even when she’s not around him,” the actor said.
“We always joked, LaMonica and I, that it’s like an engagement ring. [Laughs] He wants her to see herself the way he sees her, because she struggles with feeling like a bad mother and a bad Roma woman and a bad widow, and I think he just sees a beautiful, bold woman, and he wants her to see that.”
New episodes of 1883 release Sundays on Paramount+.
