Believe it or not, tulip bulbs were more valuable than gold in the Netherlands during the 17th century.
Tulips are the national symbol of the Netherlands for a reason. Tulips were once so rare (because their bulbs could only grow in a certain climate) and their supply was incredibly limited, that the demand for their bulbs was so great that their worth became more valuable than gold.
First, popular tulip bulbs were traded using secured bonds, which created a “tulip craze” from speculation. As a result, prices exploded and each bulb could fetch 10,000 euros. At that time 10,000 euros bought a mansion next to the canal. Later on, the tulip craze simply evolved into what became a worldwide tulip trade.
If you are ever near Amsterdam, consider taking the Tulip Mania Tour.
The Tulpomania Tour tells the story of the tulip craze taking visitors through the historic center of Haarlem, which was the center of the 17th century tulip trade. Other stops include the Keukenhof garden, the Frans Hals Museum, and Jopenkerk brewery. The 2016 Tulopmania exhibition follows the route of the tulip’s origin in Asia, through Turkey and ending in the Netherlands. It adds to the tulip’s history by providing insight into its cultivation and continuing economic importance to the region.