One of the most visible experts in the history of U.S. bank note counterfeiting, Stephen Mihm, Ph.D., an assistant professor of History at the University of Georgia, discussed his 2007 book A Nation of Counterfeiters: Capitalists, Con Men and the Making of the United States at a university in New Jersey this past Monday.

An article about Mihm's visit, written by Laura Mortkowitz, appeared online today at the site of The Rider News, student newspaper at Rider University in Lawrenceville, N.J.

Here's what REALLY interested the student audience, though:

"During all his research, he came across some unique designs on bank notes, ranging from scantily clad women to one of his favorites, a polar bear devouring a man on a raft.

"With those designs, no wonder people looked at their money more."

ADDED: You can listen to an interview with Dr. Mihm if you follow the link provided for his book.