Rethinking the Significance of Regional Currencies: The Case of the Chiemgauer

Abstract

The target of our analysis is the Chiemgauer, a German regional currency. This paper discusses notable aspects of Rudolf Steiner’s theory of money that have not yet been discussed widely in the research on regional currencies. The objectives and structure of the Chiemgauer is examined in Section 3. Following Steiner’s views on currency, Section 4 considers the merits and demerits for consumers, stores, and groups such as nonprofit organizations that are the recipients of its benefits and then revisits the significance of regional currencies. This paper makes a distinctive academic contribution by clarifying the new significance taken on by regional currencies based on Steiner’s discussions, particularly those on gifting.