Perhaps no other author is in a better position to explore American coinage than Richard Doty, senior curator of numismatics at the National Museum of American History, Smithsonian Institution. In this position Doty maintains the nation.s collections of U.S. and world coins, tokens, medals, and paper and other money.more than 1.6 million objects ranging from ancient silver to modern-day credit cards. Formerly a professor of U.S., Latin American, and world history, Doty has authored and edited numerous books, and written more than 250 articles and radio scripts concerning numismatics.

With a professor.s knowledge and a raconteur.s wit, Doty weaves a tale that stretches from Europe to the New World, from pre-colonial days to the modern era. Why were Pine Tree Shillings minted? Why were Mexican silver dollars more common north of the border than U.S. dollars, even long after the Philadelphia Mint got underway? Why was tobacco once used as money (and why did that system go up in smoke)? Why has war brought such dramatic changes to our money? The territory is immense, and Doty is an able and companionable guide.

Hundreds of books have been written about American coins, and thousands on American history. Rarely do the two subjects meet. While coins, tokens, and paper money are part of the chronicle of our country, usually numismatic books don.t delve deep into American history. Conversely, American history books seldom discuss money. This very curious gap is elegantly bridged by America.s Money, America.s Story.