Bernard von NotHaus (born 1946) is an American monetary architect, who is best known as the creator of Liberty Dollar and its related silver-based private currency. He was convicted in 2011 of making coins resembling United States legal tender, but he has remained a figurehead for alternative currencies ever since.
In 1998, Von NotHaus founded Free Domain Monetary Exchange to promote his idea of “real money” backed by precious metals such silver or gold rather than fiat currency issued by governments. He launched the Liberty Dollar in 2001 with two denominations: paper certificates representing ounces of silver or gold and metal coins stamped from those same ounces. This new form of currency not only provided a way for people to exchange goods without relying on government-issued money; it also gave them more control over their financial assets due to its stable value compared to other forms of national currency whose values can fluctuate wildly depending on economic conditions at any given time.
The US Mint perceived this activity as counterfeiting and took action against him after several years went by, resulting in charges being brought against Von Nothaus under Title 18 U.S Code Section 486 which prohibits the production and circulation “of any likeness” minted coinage intended for use as circulating tender within the United States that does not bear “the impression or stamp” authorized by law.” After much public debate surrounding whether his actions were actually illegal according to precedent set forth by earlier cases involving similar activities carried out using privately created scrip (such as Ithaca Hours), Von Nothaus was eventually found guilty on all counts except one count related to conspiracy charges during his trial held at Federal District Court in North Carolina back 2011.. Although sentenced originally up 25 years imprisonment ,he was released early thanks largely due leniency shown towards him based upon age along with lack evidence demonstrating clear intention produce counterfeit coins . Despite conviction however Bernard continues be seen icon amongst those involved advocacy movements dedicated promoting alternatives traditional banking systems .
While Bernard’s story may have fallen off mainstream media radar around time sentencing took place still remains popular topic conversation especially when discussing potential benefits associated digital decentralized cryptocurrency solutions currently gaining traction global markets today . His vision creating viable peer-peer marketplaces where citizens would able conduct business free interference centralized authority continue resonate many circles .
