re: #30 No Malarkey!

Though Bilbo likely only had a small pony rather than a mule to carry his loot. Even if he only brought home 100 lbs in gold, that would be vastly more money than he could possible spend in the Shire.

And why would it be money? Since it’s pre-capitalist is there any reason the dwarves were using the gold for coins as compared to decorative objects and jewelry?

Odds are the loot was baubles and small objects instead of coins.