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Occitan (local currency)

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Occitan is the name of a community currency started in 2010[1][2] in Pézenas, Occitania, France. It is named after the ethnic name Occitan.

The Occitan program is intended to promote local commerce. The Occitan operates with a fixed exchange rate: 1 Occitan = €1. There is a fixed commission of 4% for members (shops) and 6% for individuals.[3]

Creation and objectives

An initiative of a local shopkeeper organization, ACA, the Occitan is intended to stimulate of local economy.

Currency issue, exchange and acceptance

Bills of 1, 2, 5, and 10 Occitans are issued. They feature an Occitan cross and the portrait of Molière who started his career in Pézenas.

File:2-Occitan Bill.PNG
Molière and the Occitan Cross on the 2-Occitan Bill

They have a 1-year validity.

To maintain an individual bill's validity, a "scrip" corresponding to 2% of the banknote value must be paid every six months. (This system, called demurrage, is a form of currency circulation tax and was invented by Silvio Gesell.)

See also

References

  1. ^ Hérault Tribune news (in French)
  2. ^ "L'occitan a espelit a Pesenàs", in Anem! Occitans!, 133, June:July/August 2010, p. 5 (ISSN 2105-620X)
  3. ^ Official website
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