If now we weigh a denarius against modern silver, it is exactly equal to ninepence, and fifty thousand times ninepence gives L1,875.
It is always a difficult matter to arrive at a just estimate of the relative value of the same coin in different ages; but reckoning that money then had at least ten times the purchasing value of money now, we arrive at what was probably about the value of the magical books burnt, viz.: L18,750.
The ruins of Ephesus bear unimpeachable evidence that the City was very extensive and had magnificent buildings.

It was one of the free cities, governing itself.

Its trade in shrines and idols was very extensive, being spread through all known lands.

There the magical arts were remarkably prevalent, and notwithstanding the numerous converts made by the early Christians, the 'Efesia grammata>, or little scrolls upon which magic sentences were written, formed an extensive trade up to the fourth century.

These "writings" were used for divination, as a protection against the "evil eye," and generally as charms against all evil.