The aim of this paper is to theoretically analyse the issues concerning the introduction of alternative moneys. A brief performance evaluation of the current monetary system, as well as two alternatives, namely gold and a private currency, i.e. the Swiss WIR, is followed by a historical look at...

Introductions. Money and its inventions: theoretical considerations ; England in the late sixteenth century ; English developments, 1584-1692 -- The Atlantic. Before 1630: harvesters of money ; The Puritan exodus, 1629-1640: general features ; Massachusetts takes the monetary lead, 1630-1640 ; A...