The Dollar Was—and Remains—an Accident
A new book titled 'The Almighty Dollar: 500 Years of the World’s Most Powerful Money' by Brendan Greeley explores the origins and evolution of the dollar. Contrary to popular belief, the United States did not invent the dollar, which has a history that dates back to the 16th century. Greeley's research reveals that the dollar was an accidental creation, stemming from historical events in Bohemia and the mining of silver coins.
- ▪The dollar's origins trace back to the 16th century in Bohemia.
- ▪Brendan Greeley, the author, spent years researching the history of the dollar.
- ▪The dollar was not invented by the United States, but is a product of historical circumstances.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
Review The Dollar Was—and Remains—an Accident As a new book shows, the dollar isn’t really the United States’ currency, but a 500-year-old relic. By Chloe Hadavas, a senior editor at Foreign Policy. A monochrome image in shades of bright green. On the left, a large, detailed old coin shows an embossed figure in profile alongside texturing and historical lettering. In the center, the portrait section of a modern U.S. one-dollar bill is visible, showing a man's face looking forward within an oval frame, flanked by serial numbers and the text "FEDERAL RESERVE NOTE." On the right side, intricate, swirling patterns and geometric linework characteristic of paper currency.
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at Foreign Policy.
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