Topic: Gold Coins

Harry Hubbard describes the scope of his artifact collection, including a massive piece of glowing calcite from the Illinois caves. He mentions a 2008 fire that destroyed several valuable pieces and ancient coins. Hubbard also details owning 120 pounds of replicated gold medallions and bars originally produced by Jack Ward and Russell Burroughs.

The historical roots of banking are traced back to the biblical account of Jesus overturning the tables of the money changers in the Temple. The conflict centered on money changers cornering the market for the half shekel gold coins required for the yearly temple tax. By charging exorbitant fees for these specific coins, the money changers extracted wealth from the Jewish population under the guise of religious necessity.