Both the reading and the lecture talk about the authenticity of the silver coin which was discovered at a Native American archaeological site. The author suggests that some archaeologists believe that it is a fake to mislead people. However, the lecturer strongly disagrees with him and brings up different theories and evidence.

To begin with, the author says that the place where the silver coin was buried is far away from the location where the Norse settled at. It is impossible for the coin to travel for such a long distance. On the contrary, the lecturer posits that excepting the coin, some other items have been discovered on this site, indicating that there was someone bringing things there. Furthermore, the Native American people liked traveling around North America, they may traveled to the settlement of the Norse and brought the coin back to their home.

Secondly, the author points out that there is no other coins have been discovered at this site. This means there are probably no coins that traveled with the Norse from Europe to America. The lecturer thinks that such a conclusion is not convincing enough. She backs up her words by illustrating that the Norse may pack all the coins that he originally brought to America when he came back home. Because he did not plan to settle there permanently, silver coins are considerably valuable and should be brought back.

Finally, the author suggests that silver coins were not a currency in North America at that time at all. So as experienced explorers, the Norse would know that they are not deserved to be carried around the world. However, the lecturer cast her doubt on this point, arguing that silver coins are delicate and beautiful. This feature could make the Native American value them as necklaces and other jewels, then the Norse can use them to trade with locals.