Rebecca Spang

Stefan Ingves, former head of the Sveriges Riksbank, Rebecca Spang, a history professor at Indiana University, and economist Iñaki Aldasoro delve into the elusive definition of currency. They discuss the evolution from physical forms to digital money, highlighting how technology reshapes monetary systems. Trust becomes a key theme as they explore currency's role during financial crises and the impact of design on national identity. They also consider the implications of public versus private currencies, offering a rich perspective on what truly underpins value in our economies.

Rebecca Spang, an economic history professor at Indiana University, and Jacob Goldstein, a former host and author, dive into the origins of money. They explore the unique stone currency of Yap and how collective belief shapes value. Their discussion then shifts to John Law, a Scottish gambler who revolutionized France's monetary system with paper money, only to face a dramatic collapse. Listeners are invited to reflect on how these historical events inform modern economic practices.