Arizona State University History Professor Jonathan Barth reviews the history of money in 17th century colonial America in this 24-minute YouTube video.

Professor Barth reviews the various alternative commodity monies that were used in New England in the 17th century before England authorized the use of paper money.

(Above) Tobacco was one of the first commodities used as monetary exchange, followed by other farm produce including corn and grains.

(Above) Wampum produced by Native people from clam shells was used for a while until the colonists began manufacturing their own. A colonial currency was minted in 1652 but was never accepted by the English government.