Liberty Dollars may be subject to seizure

Federal officials call medallic pieces ‘contraband’
By Paul Gilkes Coin World Staff | Aug. 29, 2011 7:46 a.m.

Michigan collector James Zylstra earned a third-place award in the medals category with his Liberty Dollar exhibit at the spring 2011 Central States Numismatic Society convention, a month after the Liberty Dollars’ creator was convicted in federal court of counterfeiting and other charges. Liberty Dollars may be subject to seizure.

Coin World images by Beth Deisher.
Liberty Dollars held by collectors may be subject to seizure as contraband by federal law enforcement, officials with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and Secret Service said Aug. 24.
Statements by officials for those two federal law enforcement agencies seem to reverse the position taken in comments released from the United States Attorney’s Office in Charlotte, N.C., and published in Coin World in April, that mere possession of Liberty Dollars did not constitute a violation of any federal statute.

That position has apparently changed, although officials of the U.S. Secret Service — which would be the federal agency likely charged with executing any possible seizures — would not provide any definitive comments concerning under what circumstances Liberty Dollars would be seized.

The revised stance is tied to the Liberty Dollar being determined in a federal court to violate federal counterfeiting statutes. Liberty Dollars, metallic medallic pieces, were privately promoted as a form of currency that could be used in commerce as an alternative to Federal Reserve notes.
U.S. Attorney’s Office
Jill Rose, chief of the criminal division for the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte, N.C., told Coin World Aug. 24 that the Liberty Dollar medallions are confiscable as contraband regardless if they are being exhibited for educational purposes only.
Rose served as lead prosecutor in the Bernard von NotHaus case. Von NotHaus, creator of the Liberty Dollars, was convicted in federal court in March on multiple charges involving the alternative currency.

Rose said because von NotHaus’ conviction included violations of Sections 485 and 486 of Title 18 of the United States Code, the Liberty Dollar medallions were determined to be counterfeits, contraband and subject to seizure.
The Liberty Dollar represented “a pyramid scheme imbedded with fraud” that had nothing to do with barter or trade, according to Rose.

“Barter is an equal and knowing exchange,” which the Liberty Dollar was proven in court not to be, Rose said.

U.S. Secret Service
Also on Aug. 24, in addition to speaking with Rose, Coin World talked separately with Glen Kessler, assistant special agent in charge in North Carolina for the U.S. Secret Service.

Kessler could not provide a blanket position the Secret Service would take toward those owning Liberty Dollars, whether one piece or significantly more.

He said if a Secret Service agent witnessed something considered to be contraband, such as Liberty Dollars, they would be duty-bound to confiscate it.

Kessler subsequently conferred with his Secret Service superiors as to the agency’s specific position on the Liberty Dollar and potential confiscation.

Kessler informed Coin World the morning of Aug. 25 that because the publication has a worldwide audience, he had to defer additional comments to the U.S. Secret Service Office of Public Affairs.

George Ogilvie, the public affairs officer for the U.S. Secret Service in Washington, D.C., said Aug. 25 the bureau had no comment on Liberty Dollars and indicated that Coin World would have to call back in a few weeks.

Asked what would be different in a few weeks as to under what circumstances seizure of Liberty Dollars would be enforced, Ogilvie responded, “We don’t have anything to say.”

Soon after von NotHaus’ March 18 conviction, Coin World obtained and published comments from the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte stating that while mere possession of Liberty Dollar medallions was not a violation of federal statutes, actual use or intent to use them in the manner for which von NotHaus was convicted would be considered a violation.

Millions of Liberty Dollars in copper, silver and gold versions are in the hands of collectors and supporters of the Liberty Dollar medallions who have been concerned the medallions could be confiscated by federal authorities.
And that possibility is now apparently real.

Exhibit banned by ANA
The reversal of opinion surfaced after a Michigan collector sought to display his award-winning Liberty Dollar exhibit at the American Numismatic Association World’s Fair of Money in Rosemont, Ill. Aug. 16 to 20. ANA officials denied the collector the opportunity amid fears the exhibit’s contents would be seized off the convention bourse floor by federal authorities. The collector had exhibited the collection in various venues previously.

The collector, James Zylstra, had originally hoped his 11th time since 2009 in setting up the competitive numismatic exhibit of medallions would be during the ANA World’s Fair of Money in Rosemont. Leading up to the convention, as late as immediately prior to the Aug. 16 official opening, ANA exhibit judges and ANA legal counsel A. Ronald Sirna Jr. sought a written declaration from the Department of Justice that Liberty Dollars could be exhibited for educational purposes without fear of confiscation. No such declaration was forthcoming.
ANA officials also spoke with officials of the United States Mint. The U.S. Mint’s legal counsel, Daniel P. Shaver, referred ANA officials to the U.S. Secret Service.
As a result of not receiving a written declaration on federal agency letterhead permitting their display, ANA officials denied Zylstra the opportunity to exhibit the Liberty Dollars at the ANA convention over concerns the medallic contents of the exhibit could be seized.
Zylstra told Coin World he was disappointed by the ANA’s decision. Although Zylstra said he is concerned with what action federal officials might take involving his collection of Liberty Dollars, he said he is planning to display his award-winning exhibit of Liberty Dollars at the fall Michigan State Numismatic Society Convention in November in Dearborn where he has exhibited before and won recognition for the Liberty Dollars exhibit.
But Zylstra may need the same written declaration as the ANA sought before he can exhibit the Liberty Dollars there, as Sirna is also legal counsel for MSNS.
Sirna could not be reached Aug. 25 for additional comment.
CSNS convention exhibit
Zylstra last mounted his exhibit of Liberty Dollar medallions, paper warehouse receipts and promotional materials in April 2011 during the Central States Numismatic Society Convention in Rosemont, Ill., at the same Donald Stephens Convention Center where the ANA World’s Fair of Money was just held.
The 2011 CSNS convention was held a month after von NotHaus’ conviction and the determination of the Liberty Dollar’s status.
Contacted Aug. 25 by Coin World concerning the issues of displaying Liberty Dollars, CSNS legal counsel Steven Bieda said he would bring both the subject of permitting exhibits of Liberty Dollars and also of permitting dealers to sell the pieces on the CSNS convention bourse floor before CSNS officials for review and recommendations, including a review of exhibit bylaws to protect the organizations, as both issues will be recurring topics.

“I am not the exhibits chair, nor have I been asked for an opinion on displaying ‘liberty dollars’ from our exhibits chair,” said Bieda, who studied and enjoyed Zylstra’s exhibit at the CSNS convention. “However, if I were asked, I would not have any problem allowing such an exhibit, especially as one of the stated goals of the exhibits is to foster numismatic knowledge and education.”

Bieda said he has not seen any indication from federal authorities that they plan a concerted move to confiscate privately held Liberty Dollars.

“I note that the pieces are being sold and traded on on-line auction sites such as eBay, and have personally seen these pieces sold at local coin shows and coin shops, all without any apparent legal consequence,” Bieda said. “Thus, it would be my recommendation that should an exhibitor want to place an exhibit involving these pieces, and assuming that all the other relevant exhibitor criteria is satisfied, that they be allowed to do so.

“In any event, the hosting numismatic association would not be responsible should the federal government or any other legal authority take legal action or move to confiscate that or any other exhibit. That risk is entirely on the exhibitor.”
Zylstra earned a third-place award in the medals category for his Liberty Dollar exhibit at the 2011 CSNS convention. Zylstra has also won awards for the exhibit displayed at a Florida United Numismatists convention, and earned a first place when the exhibit was placed on display in Fort Worth, Texas, in March 2010 during the ANA National Money Show.

As Bieda noted, Liberty Dollars are actively traded in the collector marketplace.

Coin World has not been able to determine whether ANA officials or officials at other conventions and shows would ban the sale of Liberty Dollars on the bourse floor.

As of Aug. 25, no movement by federal officials has been seen toward the confiscation of Liberty Dollars offered for sale online, including through auction sites such as eBay.

Liberty Dollar introduction
Zylstra first learned of Liberty Dollars in November 2008 when a business card was placed on the windshield of his car in a shopping center parking lot while he was wintering in Clearwater, Fla.

Zylstra said he was intrigued by the premise of Liberty Dollars, but wanted to create a balanced exhibit offering different points of view.

Zylstra’s “Bonafide or Bogus?” exhibit comprises approximately 20 Liberty Dollar medallions in copper, silver and gold versions in different diameters, weights and face values, as representative examples, although many more multiple designs and varieties were produced than are represented in the exhibit.

Also included in the exhibit were full-color paper warehouse receipts that were backed by precious metals, along with Liberty Dollar promotional materials and historical information.

Zylstra said he includes in his exhibit information explaining von NotHaus’ bartering philosophy and why von NotHaus believes the Liberty Dollar is important; explores the legal ramifications from the side of the federal government, including providing a chronology of legal developments; and examines the Liberty Dollar from the view of consumers who appreciate being able to hold a piece of silver in their hands.

Zylstra said he obtained most of his Liberty Dollars from a Liberty Dollar regional currency officer in Michigan and another in New York who were part of von NotHaus’ Liberty Dollar distribution network.

Bernard von NotHaus
Following a six-day trial, on March 18, a federal jury in Statesville, N.C., convicted von NotHaus — founder of NORFED (National Organization for the Repeal of the Federal Reserve and the Internal Revenue Code), its subsequent Liberty Services, and monetary architect of the Liberty Dollar — of conspiracy against the United States; making coins resembling and similar to U.S. coins; of issuing, passing, selling and possessing Liberty Dollar coins; and of issuing and passing Liberty Dollar coins intended for use as current money.

Von NotHaus is free on bond pending sentencing.

NORFED and Liberty Services promoted Liberty Dollars as an alternative currency for use in commerce, and reported that it’s successfully used in transactions in various locales. Liberty Dollars were sometimes touted by the program’s adherents as “private voluntary barter currency.”

Not barter
On April 12, Ron Whitney, executive director for the International Reciprocal Trade Association (www.irta.com), based in Portsmouth, Va., issued a statement denouncing the Liberty Dollars as not being part of the modern trade and barter industry.

The extensive statement emphasized the outcome of the von NotHaus trial did not set a federal government precedent against private barter currencies.

“Mr. von NotHaus was convicted of the charges of counterfeiting and making and selling currency, barter had nothing to do with the case,” Whitney said. “The modern trade and barter industry was recognized by the U.S. government as a legal alternative form of commerce by the Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsibility Act (TEFRA), passed in 1982 whereby barter exchanges were deemed third party record keepers and required to comply with IRS 1099B reporting laws.”

Whitney explained that “barter sales conducted through barter exchanges are taxable sales reported annually to the IRS.”

“The Liberty Dollar’s verdict is completely separate from the legally recognized modern trade and barter industry and in our view it does not represent an effort on the government’s part to declare valid TEFRA compliant barter transactions as illegal activity,” Whitney said.

The complete statement can be accessed online at the IRTA website.

By Beth Deisher-Coin World Editor | April 11, 2011 6:00 a.m.
Article first published in 0211-04-11, Opinions section of Coin World

PDF download is here: http://www.dgcmagazine.com…April-2011.pdf

*Dear Liberty Dollar Supporters!*

*1. LD4 Trial Commences *
BVNH [Bernard Von NotHaus] contends that he has invented a new monetary device that is not prohibited by the law and that an individual can issue his own private voluntary barter currency (PVBC). Of course the gov disagrees. Unfortunately for the gov, it has no basis for its case. The truth is that the gov simply does not like the politically active national NORFED organization and its patriotic mission to “return America to a value based currency – one Liberty Dollar at a time” and has done everything possible, including arresting its principals to try and kill the Liberty Dollar.

But the gov has not stopped the Free Dollar Movement. A couple of dozen different currencies have already sprung up from the NORFED seeds.

People have taken the issuance of money into their own hands because they are not happy with the failing non-Federal non-Reserve IOU Note and want something better.

Something with value! While the gov assumed that the NORFED arrestees would cop a plea like the 95% of all people arrested. NO! That did not happen. Now the gov must prove beyond a reasonable doubt to the satisfaction of twelve jurors in the Statesville Division of the Western District of North Carolina that BVNH counterfeited US coins.

If the charges were not so serious, it would be laughable that anybody could confuse the one ounce Silver Liberty with a penny, nickel, dime, quarter, half-dollar or an Ike dollar! But that is the basis of the gov case! But it is even more bizarre. The gov would have the jury believe that a whopping 2-1/2 inch diameter Silver Liberty could be confused with the “current money.”

Think that is incredibly dumb? Well they also “think” that the statue of King Kamehameha on the Hawaii Dala looks like a US coin and it is counterfeit too!

This gov has some very serious problems and it should solve those problems. It should not waste taxpayers’ money on such a wrong-headed trial.

Unfortunately, the gov is not very bright and what they will do and have done since NORFED introduced the Liberty Dollar on October 1, 1998 is inadvertently popularize alternate currencies as the US dollar tanks. It almost seems like a plan to secretly support a value based currency but that would give the gov more credit than it deserves. One thing is for sure. This landmark monetary case of the century will be decided one way or the other. Either the jury will cherish the American individualistic spirit or BVNH will mistakenly go to prison. It is an all or nothing. BVNH feels morally bound as a citizen of a Republic to do what he thinks is best for the country. He “thinks” that our country deserves a better money than the gov is providing. Hope you can stop by the Federal District Court in Statesville, North Carolina, as the trial will not be televised.
Running time is approx. one month.

PS: I am very pleased to hear that some people are coming from as far away as California for the trial! Please remember that you have a 30 day window to attend.
———————-
A federal grand jury brought a criminal indictment against von NotHaus and three others in May 2009 in United States District Court in Statesville, North Carolina, and von NotHaus was arrested on June 6, 2009. Bernard von NotHaus is charged with one count of conspiracy to possess and sell coins in resemblance and similitude of coins of a denomination higher than five cents, and silver coins in resemblance of genuine coins of the United States in denominations of five dollars and greater, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 485, 18 U.S.C. § 486, and 18 U.S.C. § 371; one count of mail fraud in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1341 and 18 U.S.C. § 2; one count of selling, and possessing with intent to defraud, coins of resemblance and similitude of United States coins in denominations of five cents and higher, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 485 and 18 U.S.C. § 2; and one count of uttering, passing, and attempting to utter and pass, silver coins in resemblance of genuine U.S. coins in denominations of five dollars or greater, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 486 and 18 U.S.C. On July 28, 2009, von NotHaus entered a plea of not guilty. Although he was released on bail, later in July 2010 he was jailed again for violating terms of the Appearance Bond.

*1. Aspen Silver Dollar Shines Forth*
Just what you need to weather the monetary storm

*ASPEN SILVER DOLLAR*

From beautiful Aspen Colorado with its golden Aspen trees, a new currency shines forth.

Peter Affolter, explains the Aspen Silver Dollar, actually started in 2008 when Dr. Bill Wesson, long time local dentist, wanted to introduce Aspen to the unique values of silver.

“Well, Bill introduced me to silver and when he got so busy, I decided to take action and launch the Aspen Silver Dollar as a local currency.” Affolter said.

There is no doubt that Affolter, a well know local chef, is dedicated to silver. As he points out, “In the restaurant business, a cup is a cup. I think a dollar should be a dollar and that dollar should hold its value and even increase in value as people prosper. Simply put, silver has a better shelf life than food.”

Affolter is convinced that the Aspen Silver Dollar is good for his beloved mountain community, the Roaring Fork Valley area and good for America. He is quick to point out that, “Silver is better than voting. Sound money is a more effective and positive approach to big government. It can even be profitable!”

So what finally pushed Affolter to take the big plunge into the silver business?

It started when he wanted to buy some silver in Aspen but there were no coin dealers and only one antique store had a few old US silver dollars. With no silver available, Affolter decided to follow the old marketing adage, “find a need and fill it,” and voila, the Aspen Silver Dollar was born.

Very quickly, Dr. Wesson and a dozen other Aspenites started using the Aspen Silver Dollar. The dentist, local bar, food store, car repairman have become the first local merchants to accept the new silver dollar for their goods and services.

Dr. Bill Wesson said, “I am very grateful that Peter took action to bring silver to Aspen. I think it is the best thing for Aspen and strongly encourage everyone to get and use the Aspen Silver Dollar for their own good and for the good of Aspen.”

To hear Affolter tell his story, he harkens back to the good old days when Aspen was the richest silver mining area in the world. He reminisces about how the Populist Party adopted silver as “legal tender” after the panic of 1893 – that almost killed Aspen. But Aspen never died, although it was down to only 705 residents in 1930.

Today, Aspen is the storied land of the rich and famous. But still Affolter is concerned about his beloved town and its local citizens. He is concerned about the US dollar and what the future will bear. And who knows, with silver up nearly 25% in 2009, the $50 Aspen Silver Dollar might just catch on if the current US dollar drops any more and Aspenites start shopping for something with more value.

So what is the Aspen Silver Dollar? Aspen Silver features an image of Liberty on the obverse and an Aspen leaf on the reverse. The new silver dollar contains one ounce of pure .999 fine silver and has a $50 MSRP so it in sync with the silver market and can be used voluntarily by merchants who accept it. So does the new dollar cost $50? Not if you know Affolter or live in the Roaring Fork Valley area. Locals are encouraged to get the currency at a steep volume discounts and then use it for whatever value is agreed upon with the merchant. The value changes with the silver market that is on an uptrend.

In addition to the 2010 Aspen Silver Dollar in Brilliant Uncirculated condition priced in sync with the silver market, two special collector issues have been created. The First Day of Issue features a special hand stamped Aspen leaf hallmark and a Limited Numbered Issue of only 100 individually hand stamped with a serial number.

The new Silver Aspen Dollar is, very “Aspen.” It is beautiful and more valuable than the debt plagued US dollar and would have been the darling of the Aspen of old. And who knows, for anyone who is savvy or lucky enough to catch Peter Affolter, the Aspen Silver Dollar might be just what you need to weather the current monetary storm.

*DISCLAIMER:* The Aspen Silver Dollar is not a currency, as it does not have a face value ($50 is the MSRP only) and is not intended to compete with the depreciating US dollar. The sole purpose of this commemorative “dollar” is for local enjoyment only as guaranteed by the First Amendment to the US Constitution. Let it be known that this is not a Liberty Dollar and that I have not involved in the minting, production or circulation of this historic commemorative “dollar.” I was commissioned as an artist only.

/*Please note that the Aspen Silver Dollar is not intended to be used as United States currency and any representation as such is strictly prohibited by law.*/

Despite arrests, some local merchants still accepting Liberty Dollars

* By Dan Shaw,  Posted June 14, 2009

http://www.courierpress.com/news/2009/jun/14/coins-of-contention/

At one time, Terry Eickhoff had accepted Liberty Dollars at his gun store near Cynthiana, Ind.

A poster on his wall had proclaimed him a “Liberty Merchant,” one among a small group of business owners willing to exchange goods and services for silver, gold and copper coins meant as alternatives to U.S. currency. But Eickhoff, whose store is called the Red Ghost Gun Shop, stopped using the “private voluntary bartering system” about five years ago.

The decision was purely economic; Eickhoff said he sold off his stock of Liberty Dollars when the prices of gold and silver climbed higher than he had seen in recent times.

Bernard von NotHaus, the monetary architect of the Liberty Dollar, said Liberty Merchants who use his coins are indeed harder to come by these days. For that he blames the government, which has succeeded in raising fears over what he considers a perfectly legal and wise means of conducting business, he said.

Last week, federal officials showed their threats weren’t empty by arresting von NotHaus and three others involved in the Liberty Dollar. He and two defendants from Evansville are out on bond, awaiting an initial hearing. The fourth, William Kevin Innes, is being held in North Carolina, where he was arrested.

In an e-mail sent out this week, von NotHaus said he is happy he can now prove his contentions in court. He said he needs money and encouraged his supporters to keep buying Liberty Dollars, which continue to be made. He also solicited the services of a lawyer who can help him win the case.

The arrest did not come as a surprise. The government has long been vocal in its disapproval of the Liberty Dollar.

In Sept. 2006, the U.S. Mint deemed it a crime to circulate the coins. The following year, federal officials raided the private mint in Idaho where Liberty Dollars were made, as well as the group’s store in Evansville, confiscating inventories of silver, gold and copper.

Von NotHaus responded with a lawsuit. He contended the chief reason for the government’s actions was a fear of competition. The Liberty Dollar, he said, holds its value while the U.S. dollar continues to lose purchasing power.

Frank Findley, an Evansville businessman, said it was such claims that attracted him to the “inflation-proof” currency. He became a Liberty Merchant in 1999, the year after von NotHaus and others had begun making the coins.

Findley said he first encountered the Liberty Dollar at trade shows he and his wife would attend for their side business: DEF Arms Enterprises, a seller of pepper spray and other defense products. Customers asked him if he would accept the coins in lieu of regular money.

Though interested, Findley proceeded with caution, first calling the Better Business Bureau to see if it had recorded any complaints against Liberty Dollar. Learning of none, he read some of von NotHaus’ pamphlets describing how the coins could be used as a hedge against inflation.

To become a Liberty Merchant, Findley had to promise he would not misrepresent the Liberty Dollar as standard currency. He was then able to buy Liberty Dollars for less than the dollar amount imprinted on the coins’ faces, which ranged from $5 to $50. He could also sell them back to the Liberty Dollar store for at least the same price he had paid.

Findley said when someone bought his wares with a Liberty Dollar, he would give them the option of receiving the change in “Liberty Certificates,” paper slips backed by silver or gold stored in a warehouse. The transactions were prompted by customers, he said, who could always use standard money instead.

“Everyone I ran into knew exactly what it was,” he said. “I never witnessed anything fraudulent.”

The U.S. Department of Justice, though, doubts that all Liberty Merchants went to such lengths to ensure their customers were aware. In a bill of indictment filed when von NotHaus and his colleagues were arrested, the word “counterfeit” never appears.

The charges leveled against them instead involve fraud and conspiracy. The government contends Liberty Dollars were in essence a means of fooling customers into thinking the coins were worth more than they truly were.

The value of the metal in Liberty Dollars was almost always less than the dollar amount imprinted on them, the government says. Liberty Dollars bearing an imprint of $20 might only contain $15 worth of silver, for instance.

Von NotHaus and others made a profit by selling those coins to merchants at a slight mark-up — say for $18. The merchants in turn came out ahead by using the full $20 face value when making change.

The federal government’s indictment says a booklet called The Liberty Merchant Handbook encourages Liberty Merchants to “accept Liberty currency when presented” and “offer Liberty currency as change (for U.S. currency) whenever possible.” It further says the merchants make money by giving Liberty Dollars out “as change.”

Von NotHaus, who said the government often takes his words out of context, has defended the practices by saying that any legitimate business wants to bring in profits. On the Internet, he has noted that the rise in the price of gold and silver has at times raised the dollar value of older Liberty Dollars close to their face values.

Bryan Manzi, the owner of Classical Coins on First Avenue, said there is no doubt over the materials and craftsmanship found in von NotHaus’ products.

“As a coin shop owner and dealer in coins for 20 years, they are just as good a quality as anything I’ve seen,” he said.

Still, Manzi can’t remember a time when he bought them for face value. If a customer brings in a $20 silver Liberty Dollar — which typically weighs an ounce — he now offers about $15 for it, he said.

Depending on the coin’s condition, he can turn around and sell it for between $18 and $20. Some Liberty Dollars are listed on the Internet site eBay for an even higher price.

The Liberty Dollar store itself has stopped exchanging the coins for U.S. dollars but plans to resume in the future. Manzi said Liberty Dollars fetch a premium in Evansville, since residents here are attracted by the association with their hometown. Still, only in the first part of 2008 did the value of the metal in Liberty Dollars approach their face values.

“It was one brief moment in this nation’s history that their $20 coins were actually worth 20 bucks,” he said.

Though no Liberty Dollar is a strict copy of U.S. currency, the government does make note of some resemblances.

The use of the dollar sign is suspect since it is the universal symbol for the U.S. dollar, the indictment says. Also troublesome is the inclusion on some coins of the words “Trust in God” and symbols such as a burning torch and crowned head, like those associated with the Statue of Liberty. Standard U.S. coins bear similar words and imagery, says the government.

Von NotHaus has said he always wanted to keep his coins distinct from U.S. currency. But the government notes that in a book on using the Liberty Dollar, von NotHaus wrote that when standard coins are mixed in with Liberty Dollars, “the acceptance rate is nearly 100 percent.”

Robert Winkler, the owner of Bob the Locksmith in Evansville, says he still takes the Liberty Dollar and isn’t worried about legal consequences. Few customers bring them in these days, though, and he has only about $50 worth in his possession.

Winkler said he thinks the Liberty Dollar founders got in trouble by being too ambitious and trying to spread their ideas throughout the country.

“I told them to keep the money in Evansville instead of going out there to every place,” he said. “It didn’t quite work out that way.”

The 39mm silver round was designed and is produced under the authority of the American Open Currency Standard with the purpose of making the piece available to the public as an accountable and transparent medium of exchange. The American Open Currency Standard currently hosts a merchant trading network of more than 25,000 merchants across the many States willing to expand consumer purchasing power by accepting payment in AOCS Approved Silver as well as other trade and local currencies.

The striking image of the champion of Austrian Economics, Ludwig von Mises, is featured on the obverse, while the crest of the Mises family is displayed in ultra-high three dimensional relief on the reverse. Minted in proof-like quality, the piece is currently available on the Mises web site: http://www.mises.org in the web site’s store.

Individual pieces are available for the current silver market price plus $7.50. Quantity discounts are available for orders in multiples of 20 medallions, shipped in plastic tubes. All orders of 100 or more are shipped free of charge.

For information about the use of the piece in trade, supporters of honest money are encouraged to visit the American Open Currency Standard website at www.opencurrency.com.