Marisol Bello wrote in yesterday’s USA Today that some areas around the U.S. are reviving the notion of local currencies that are sold to the public at a discount to encourage consumption close to home.
Scrip of this kind was last used widely during the Great Depression, when currency shortages and the instability of local banks were a pressing consideration. There’s a fascinating little website, DepressionScrip.com, that traces the history of local currencies in that era and features a large photo archive of samples from all over America.
Above, a shot of a piece of Minneapolis scrip from the early ’30s. Is it an omen of Ry-bucks to come?
Isn’t this the same as buying a pre-paid credit card for $25, but it has a face value for $50? What is the big deal?