Mainstreet Barter Associates

Barter what you have.....FOR WHAT YOU NEED!

The History of Money

Money is a means of managing, and ‘marking’ indirect barter transactions of goods and services. It is actually, only a device required to make the act of bartering simpler. In gambling circles, money substitutes are called ‘markers’. In the banking world, such markers are called ‘checks’ or ‘loans’ or ‘certificates’.

Money has taken on many forms. The Chinese had money, as did the Egyptians. In Roman days, ‘salt’ was a valued commodity but couldn’t be carried around from one transaction to another so, a common coin was minted that represented ‘x’ amount of salt. (This is also the source of the word ‘salary’! In Virginia during the 1700’s, tobacco was a valued commodity. Originally, money in Virginia was backed by tobacco. At one time, wampum, a type of shell, what the backing the the currency of the colony of Maryland. And in the early expansion days of our country, when no formal bank structure was in place, settlers would issue their own ‘marker’ that was good for trading for goods at a particular supplier.

In the 1800’s, money was eventually tied to silver or gold and, therefore, had value in and of itself as well as a means of making indirect trades. Today, since money no longer is based on gold in the U.S., but rather a ‘Federal Reserve Note’, money no longer has any intrinsic value. It is now merely a ‘marker’ to keep track of the value of trades. The strength of our currency is backed by the ‘faith’ of the users. The fact that money is merely a common marker for trade transactions, and the fact that most people and businesses have the ability to produce more than can be transacted with typical currency on its own, are essential concepts in understanding why traditional barter exists and continues to flourish.

One simply needs to understand that currency can be created. It needs to be recognized by two parties as a replacement or representation of a good or service. It can have restrictions and expirations and any terms each party is willing to work with in order to facilitate a transaction. Once this is accomplished, the ‘currency’ can be used over, and over, and over again. The strength of this created currency is based on who and how many parties might accept the currency.

When put in perspective, parties can well create their own ‘money’!

Order Now

The price of the printed book and membership is normally $29.95, but you can get the ebook instant access for a limited time for only $9.95! For this special release you will get free updates for 1 year, AND contact information to a qualified exchange network nearest to you.

If you would like to order the printed copy it is $14.95 including shipping, use the drop down menu to select the printed version if you would like to receive a physical copy