TRC | |
---|---|
ISO 4217 | |
Code | None theoretical currency only |
Terra (the Trade Reference Currency, TRC) is the name of a proposed "world currency". The concept was revived by Belgian economist and expert on monetary systems Bernard Lietaer in 2001, based on a similar proposal from the 1930s.
The currency is meant to be based on a basket of the nine to twelve most important commodities (according to their importance in worldwide trade). Lietaer opines this would provide a currency that wouldn't suffer from inflation:
"Terra = reference unit defined as standardized basket of key internationally traded commodities & services.
Example: 100 Terra =
1 barrel of oil
+ 10 bushels of wheat
+ 20 kg of copper
...
+ 1/10 of ounce of gold
NB: any standardizable good or service can be included.
Similar stability to gold standard, but with basket instead of single commodity (more stable than any one component)...
Terra is Inflation-resistant by definition."[1]
The basic principle emerged from early concepts presented in an article in the French newspaper Le Fédériste on 1 January 1933. The idea to establish a L'Europa – monnaie de la paix (English: Europe - Money of peace), was given birth. The idea was enthusiastically picked up by Lietaer during an educational journey.[citation needed]