Episode 1 Title: The History of Money, Part I: From Barter to Coinage

Drop Date: June 2, 2026

Show Notes

Season 4 of Witness of the Times begins with the first installment of an in-depth exploration into one of the most influential inventions in human history — money.

In this episode, Dr. Bruce Baker traces the origins of money from the earliest barter systems of Mesopotamia to the revolutionary introduction of standardized coinage under King Croesus of Lydia around 650 B.C. Along the way, listeners discover how ancient civilizations established systems of value, trade, and wealth long before modern banks or paper currency existed.

The episode explores:

Bartering and the first standardized exchange systems
The Mesopotamian shekel and the origins of stored wealth
The invention of coinage in ancient Lydia
Gold, silver, copper, bronze, and electrum in early currencies
Why governments stamp authority onto money
Ancient and modern coin production techniques
The surprising history of pennies, denarii, and clad coinage
The Georgia Gold Rush and the Dahlonega Mint
How red ochre and even nails once functioned as currency
Why salt became one of the most valuable commodities in human history

Blending history, chemistry, economics, archaeology, and storytelling, Dr. Baker reveals how money shaped civilizations — and why understanding its history helps us better understand our own world today.

Join us as Season 4 begins its fascinating journey through the history of money.

Until then, keep moving forward… but don’t forget to look backwards every once in a while, too.

If you like what we do, rate and review the show on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen. Every positive review helps new listeners find the show. Send us your questions about the stories we profile. You can email us at witnessofthetimes@gmail.com. The Executive Producers of “The Witness of The Times” are Marc Veazey and Dr. Bruce Baker. Our music is by Jorgen Hallberg. Witness of the Times is produced by Ezra Media Network. We are your hosts, Marc Veazey and Dr. Bruce Baker, and this has been” The Witness of the Times.”