Ep.58 - The History of Money in the US w/William Dokas Author #coins #numismatics #gold

In this episode of the Cabbage Coins podcast, host Tony Gryckiewicz interviews author William Dokas about his extensive book, 'The History of American Money and Physical Specie in North America.' They discuss William's journey into coin collecting, the motivations behind his writing, the challenges he faced during the seven-year process, and surprising discoveries about American currency. The conversation also delves into the use of various forms of currency in colonial America, including barter systems, clamshells, tobacco, and the impact of counterfeiting. Additionally, they explore Benjamin Franklin's contributions to currency design and the historical significance of the Continental Dollar. In this conversation, Will and Tony explore the intricate history of American money, from the evolution of treasure fleets and the small change crisis in early America to the introduction of fiat currency and the establishment of the Federal Reserve. They discuss significant events like the Crime of 1873, the Confederate money system during the Civil War, and the modern treasure hunt for the Forest Fenn treasure. The conversation concludes with valuable advice for aspiring coin collectors, emphasizing the importance of knowledge and passion in the hobby.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest

02:25 Motivation Behind Writing the Book

04:13 The Writing Process and Challenges

10:12 Goals and Objectives of the Book

12:17 Surprising Discoveries in American Money History

14:08 Currency in Colonial America

18:12 The Use of Clamshells and Beads as Currency

21:02 Tobacco as Currency in Virginia

22:55 Counterfeiting Throughout History

25:03 Benjamin Franklin's Contributions to Currency