The History of the US Dollar

How did the US dollar come to be the most ubiquitous, trusted and traded currency in the history of the world?

Two Cents was created by Katie Graham, Andrew Matthews, Philip Olson CFP® and Julia Lorenz-Olson and is brought to you by PBS Digital Studios. We love dropping some knowledge on all things personal finance and helping you make better money decisions.

sources:
Weatherford, Jack. "The History of Money." Three Rivers Press, 1997.

Two Cents is hosted by Philip Olson, CFP® and Julia Lorenz-Olson
Directors: Katie Graham & Andrew Matthews
Written by: Philip Olson, CFP®
Executive Producer: Amanda Fox
Produced by: Katie Graham
Edited & Animated by: Dano Johnson
Images by: Shutterstock
Music by: APM

[albanduro]

Bitcoin is the future, investing in it now will be the wisest thing to do especially with the current rise in bitcoin

[imyasharya]

I like this history lesson. If every history lesson would be hosted by you two, I'll start loving history 😁

[alicemendoza]

The financial sector and derivatives may have a Hindenburg moment if the US Treasury market collapses. Rising market illiquidity in the $14.8 trillion U.S. Treasury market, according to Bank of America, might affect other financial markets.

[Je.rone_]

In a few years yall going to have to adjust for inflation and call the channel 3 cents😁

[rodribrito]

I just love Julia's Spanish pronunciation. Borderline perfect.

[BeanDar]

2:54

Has anyone really ever heard the saying "not worth a Continental" before?

[cesaraguilar]

I just came here to say that:

The 10 dollar, founding father without a father, got a lot farther by being a lot smarter, by working a lot harder, by being a self starter

[admiralhyperspace]

Oh hello! Just a friendly reminder that you completely skimmed of the federal reserve banks and how the money is controlled today. I think it would have been good to add.

[TeenageJesusSuperstr]

Loved this - i'd be very keen to watch more "finance history" vids!

[ameliarolf]

“Salmon, like the fish”! Lovely Bones, anyone?

[MrPhante]

Started watching a lot of y'all's old videos and it's been helpful! This video was helpful in a fun historical way too 😁 great work!

[Heiser_]

Julia’s pronunciation (when she speak Spanish) is amazing!!! Thank you for taking the time to learn how to pronounce those words, we as native Spanish speakers (from Mexico) appreciate that so much! And incredible video by the way, keep up the good work guys!

[economicsinaction]

0:38
The British: *"Hippity hoppity gold is my property"*

[jerrysinclair]

Another great video! If you haven't done a video about it already could you do a video with more info about the gold standard? History and pros and cons? Thanks for the great content!

[chukuemekaoje]

A history of central banking would be an awesome companion piece to this!

[abrahamcampos]

Hi, guys! I loved this video! I had always been curious about the dollar's history. I had no idea Mexico's Casa de Moneda had something to do with your currency. I'm from Mexico and that was really interesting to me. Thank you!!!

[johnnydHD]

Awesome History Class
Thank You for making still making these videos. (Long Time Fan here)
And... Thanks! Someone finally mentioned La Casa de Moneda de México.
Btw, perfecta pronunciación. Sería genial si pudieran hacer un vídeo igual de Economía, pero relacionado con México. :3

[pawpatrolnews]

You forgot one big fact about Mr. Salmon P. Chase- one of the largest banks in the country is actually named after him. What an honor!

[billytheguy]

You guys should make a video on different housing options such as apartments, condominiums, mobile/manufactured homes, and even van life! I love the videos you guys post! Keep it up.

[GlobalStevie]

Most in-depth & digestible history on the US dollar I’ve ever seen. Planning to rewatch a few times to catch all the details.