Worth Its Weight

In 1590, King James VI of Scotland became convinced that witches had tried to kill him by summoning storms at sea. What followed were the infamous North Berwick witch trials, brutal interrogations, executions, and eventually James’s own treatise on witchcraft and demons, Daemonologie. In this spooky-season episode of Worth Its Weight, Curator Caroline Turco explores the complicated Christian worldview of James VI and I through witch trials, royal theology, and the coins that carried his ideas...

Coming up: a familiar collector tradition gets an unfamiliar price tag, new research revisits a famous coin’s ownership history, and a supposed rarity proves disappointing. Plus, funding for coin clubs, an auction for young collectors, and a new series coming to this podcast. And before we’re done, Canada puts a ghost on its money. Apparently, inflation wasn’t frightening enough. --- Links and Resources 2026 Semiquincentennial Proof Set — U.S. MintHow the U.S. Mint determines product prices17...

Spooky season at Worth Its Weight begins with a killer coin. Shanna Schmidt joins Caroline Turco for a conversation about the EID MAR and the ancient coin industry, connecting a notorious piece of Roman history with the people who collect, study, and trade ancient money today. Join us for a look at the enduring fascination of ancient coins—and the stories they carry into the modern world. --- Guest Shanna Schmidt: Shanna Schmidt is an ancient coin dealer specializing in Greek coinage and the ...

A growing hobby doesn’t always mean rising prices—and that can be good news for collectors. This week, Caroline explores the distinction between enthusiasm and value, from falling bullion prices and steady classic coins to the creative appeal of hobo nickels. Along the way: a real treasure hunt, the truth behind a $235,000 penny headline, a Team USA Silver Eagle that challenges the meaning of a “complete” collection, and Supergirl’s surprisingly ancient numismatic predecessors. Apparently, pu...

America's Founders warned against political parties. Then they helped create them. They questioned each other’s motives, accused their opponents of endangering the republic, and became convinced that only their side could save the country. Sound familiar? In this episode of Worth Its Weight, discover how the battle over the First Bank of the United States helped turn disagreements among the Founders into America’s first political parties. Alexander Hamilton saw a bank that could strengthen th...