How much would you expect to pay for a daguerreotype in 1855?

In 1855, the cost of a daguerreotype varied based on factors like the complexity of the portrait and the photographer’s reputation. The price range of 50 cents to 10 dollars accurately reflects the typical cost for a daguerreotype during that period, as it was a new and sophisticated photographic technique that combined artistry and technology.

Daguerreotypes were time-consuming to produce and required specialized skills, which contributed to higher prices than basic sketches or paintings. Portraits could be found at the lower end of this range, while more elaborate compositions and larger sizes would command prices closer to the higher end. Additionally, the affordability of daguerreotypes made them accessible to a broader segment of society, leading to their popularity among different social classes.

The other choices present ranges that either understate or overstate the typical cost of a daguerreotype in that era, reflecting a misunderstanding of the market for this early photographic format.