Synopses & Reviews
New forms of private money regularly hit the newspaper headlines, however, there is relatively little discussion of whether such innovations will last the pace and perform effectively the functions that we expect of money. This monograph, by one of the leading scholars in the field of private money and free banking, examines new innovations such as Bitcoin, the Liberty Dollar and e-gold. Noting that competition in this field is welcome given the lamentable history of state money, which has seen its purchasing power shrink greatly over the years, this book also concludes that new monies face many challenges. Some of those challenges relate to the nature of the private monies themselves while other challenges come from law enforcement agencies that are determined to prevent competition with state money. Outlining the regulatory and legal changes that will be necessary if beneficial innovation is to thrive, the work also discusses how developments in private money are part of a more general movement among people who wish to reduce the role of the state in their lives.
Synopsis
Kevin Dowd argues that states must allow a level playing field as far as private money is concerned. For too long the government has stifled competition between state-backed and private currencies. Instead, central banks should welcome competition as it forces them to offer consumers greater choice and improved quality. A weakened ability to store value, growing restrictions on finance, oppressive taxes and a lack of financial privacy have resulted in growing frustration at state controlled money. The superior nature of private currencies combined with the financial freedom they offer has led to their increasing attraction. Bitcoin enables its owners, among other things, to protect their wealth, make investments free from government control and retain a level of privacy, making it increasingly attractive. The price of Bitcoin rose from 3 cents in April 2010 when first traded, to over $900 in January 2014. The relationship between restrictions on individual freedom and demand for private money is also identified in the paper. The increasing constraints on personal freedom have led to private money becoming more and more popular as it enables people to do what would otherwise be illegal. The market for private monies will continue to thrive as long as states restrict and prohibit various forms of commerce.
About the Author
Kevin Dowd is an economist and an emeritus professor at the University of Nottingham Business School.