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Detroit Community Scrip

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Detroit Community Scrip
Detroit Community Scrip, 3 Cheers.
Unit
NicknameDetroit Cheer
Denominations
Banknotes
 Freq. used3
Demographics
User(s)Businesses in Detroit
Issuance
Central bankDetroit Cheers Governing Board
Valuation
Pegged byU.S. dollar

Detroit Community Scrip, also called Detroit Cheers, was a local currency used in Detroit, Michigan, first issued in April 2009.[1] Modeled upon the local scrip that were used during the Great Depression, it was being used to restore local financial confidence following decades of economic decline. The Cheers are backed by U.S. currency and are fully exchangeable for an equal amount of U.S. dollars, backed by several Detroit-based businesses. In April 2009, there were $4,500 worth of cheers in circulation.[2] Businesses could sign up to be issuers and print scrip after depositing a matching amount in U.S. dollars and then be entitled to print Cheers.[3]

History

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The Detroit Scrip was first issued in April 2009,[3] by Foran's Grand Trunk Pub and The Park Bar or Motor City Brewing Works.[2] Including the issuers, there were 17 initial businesses accepting the Cheer.[2]

By November 22, 2009, the official website of the Detroit Community Scrip was no longer live.[4]

Design

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Detroit Cheers were available in only the $3 denomination; the standardized face of the Cheer features The Spirit of Detroit over the Detroit skyline. The back of the bill was designed by the issuing business and could vary.[5]

References

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  1. ^ Bello, Marisol (April 10, 2009). "Communities print their own currency to keep cash flowing". USA Today. Retrieved 16 February 2012.
  2. ^ a b c Kavanaugh, Kelli B. (April 21, 2009). "3 Cheers for Detroit's Local Currency". Model D Media. Retrieved 16 February 2012.
  3. ^ a b "Active Local Currencies". Local Currencies. New Economics Institute. July 2009. Archived from the original on April 5, 2013. Retrieved 16 February 2012.
  4. ^ "November 22, 2009 archive of www.detroitscrip.org/index.htm". Wayback Machine. November 22, 2009. Archived from the original on 2010-01-05. Retrieved June 6, 2021.
  5. ^ LeBlanc, Joe (Summer 2009). "Detroit Has a New Currency?". Mich-Matist. Retrieved 16 February 2012.
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