In this episode, Dr. Jesse Kraft discusses the fabled 1787 Brasher Doubloon. The coin represents the unsteady beginnings in American currency production as it was struck under the Articles of Confederation. For New York, in particular, it represents one of several failed attempts by private individuals to receive a contract to strike coins for the state under the Articles. As a gold coin, it was the first and only that anyone struck in the first 20 years of American independence, as the U.S. Mint did not strike any until 1795.