The American Numismatic Association will debut its Worth Its Weight podcast with a live recording at the 2026 World's Fair of Money in Pittsburgh, offering collectors and the public new insights into the stories behind coins and currency.
Coins and banknotes are more than silent objects-they reflect the political, economic, and cultural forces that shape societies. In August 2026, the American Numismatic Association (ANA) will launch Worth Its Weight, a new podcast series dedicated to exploring the stories and controversies behind money. The series will premiere with a live recording on August 27 at the World's Fair of Money, held at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center in Pittsburgh.
The ANA's Edward C. Rochette Money Museum will host the event, bringing together collectors, dealers, researchers, and the wider public on the convention's bourse floor. This setting, at the heart of the numismatic world, is designed to capture the energy and diversity of the coin-collecting community.
Live Panel and Audience Participation
For its debut episode, Worth Its Weight will feature a panel discussion led by ANA Money Museum Curator Caroline Turco. The panel will include five recognized figures in numismatics: Jeff Garrett, Dennis Tucker, Shanna Schmidt, John Kraljevich, and Douglas Mudd. The discussion will address questions submitted by collectors and enthusiasts in advance through the ANA website, covering topics such as coin history, collecting trends, and the broader significance of everyday money.
By recording on the bourse floor rather than in a studio, the podcast aims to reflect the real-world context in which coins circulate and are studied. The World's Fair of Money, running from August 25 to 29, is one of the largest annual gatherings for the numismatic community, attracting participants from across the United States and internationally.
Podcast Structure and Release Schedule
Following the live premiere, Worth Its Weight will release two episodes each week on major podcast platforms. The series will alternate between two formats: Timely Weigh-Ins, which focus on current numismatic news and market developments, and Historical Deep-Dives, which examine the origins, controversies, and cultural meanings of coins and paper money.
This dual approach is intended to serve both experienced collectors and newcomers. Timely Weigh-Ins will provide context for ongoing developments in the hobby, while Historical Deep-Dives will explore how money intersects with art, politics, religion, and national identity. The podcast's editorial mission is to make numismatic history accessible and relevant, translating the "voices" of coins into engaging stories for a broad audience.
Preview Episode: The Motto That Minted Debate
Listeners can already access a special preview episode, "The Motto That Minted Debate," which investigates the history of the phrase "In God We Trust" on U.S. currency. The episode traces the motto's origins to the Civil War, when it first appeared on the bronze Two-Cent Piece in 1864, and follows its adoption on other denominations and paper money through the 20th century.
The episode examines key moments, such as the omission of the motto from the 1907 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle, its Cold War significance, and its eventual designation as the national motto in 1956. The discussion highlights how four words have sparked legal, political, and cultural debate for generations, reflecting broader questions about faith, government, and national identity in the United States.
Caroline Turco's Approach to Numismatic Storytelling
Caroline Turco, curator at the Edward C. Rochette Money Museum, brings a background in art history, museum studies, and performance to the podcast. Her approach treats coins and currency as evidence of historical change and human experience, rather than static collectibles. By combining scholarly research with accessible storytelling, Turco aims to illuminate the complex forces that shape the money we use and collect.
For collectors, Worth Its Weight offers new perspectives on familiar objects. For those new to numismatics, it provides an entry point into the world of coins and currency, emphasizing that the true meaning of money often extends far beyond its face value or label.
According to the ANA, the World's Fair of Money regularly draws thousands of attendees, with the 2025 event in Chicago reporting over 8,000 visitors and more than 500 dealers. The 2026 Pittsburgh convention is expected to maintain similar participation, providing a dynamic backdrop for the podcast's launch and ongoing episodes.
Coins and banknotes serve as tangible records of economic, political, and social change. The stories behind their designs, inscriptions, and circulation often reveal the priorities and conflicts of their time. For example, the adoption of "In God We Trust" on U.S. currency was shaped by wartime sentiment, legal challenges, and shifting national identity. Understanding these layers helps explain why money remains a powerful symbol-and a subject of ongoing debate-long after its original issue.
