Just $600K Then, a Fortune Today: How Rich Did Jack Really Get in 'The Gilded Age'?

The Gilded Age follows the lives of the wealthiest members of 1880s New York society from all walks of life, but Season 3 offers a fresh perspective. There is a clear divide among the elite between those whose families have been in the social circles for generations and those who have just found their fortune.

The series takes the concept of "new money" to a new level when Jack Trotter makes his fortune and moves up the social ladder right before the viewers’ eyes.

The Jack Trotter Story

Ever since Season 2, Jack has been working on new alarm clocks. Although almost everyone in the house supported his efforts, Armstrong has been openly skeptical. Then he has trouble getting a patent for his invention, and every investor he approaches has turned him down. However, Larry Russell, who agrees to help Jack, has proven himself a reliable business partner.

Progress has been slow. Season 3 showed Larry and Jack meeting with businessmen, but no one wanted to buy the development. Even in episode 3 of season 3, when Trotter made a spectacular pitch to Weston, a man already in the watch business and able to ask technical questions about the product, Weston asked for time to think about it, which Jack took as a bad sign. However, Weston later set up a follow-up meeting.

How Rich Has Jack Become

Weston originally offered $300,000, but Larry negotiated up the amount to $600,000. That may not seem like a lot now, but in the 1880s, it was equivalent to $19 million.

With a share of about $9.5 million, Jack may not be the next George Russell, but it will be enough for him to live a comfortable and carefree life. After this turn of events, his net worth is almost equal to Ada's after receiving her inheritance at the end of Season 2.

This unexpected wealth elevates Jack to a new social class - he no longer has to work. His story embodies the American Dream - gaining money and status through work, not birthright.

However, Jack is not psychologically prepared to accept his new role. He has no social ambitions, and the upcoming changes frighten him for now.