Abstract: A system and method to allow gold to circulate as digital cash through the global computer network (Internet) and/or private communication networks much like cash currently circulates in the physical world. A computer system (emint) will create digital representations of gold (ecoins). Each ecoin will represent a weight of gold held at a participating secure storage facility (storage site), and each ecoin is given by the emint a unique identifier by which it can be distinguished and identified. The sum total of all circulating ecoins (denominated in physical measures such as weights such as grams and/or ounces and fractions thereof) will equal the weight of all the gold held for safekeeping at the storage site(s) for the users of the emint. The ownership of gold is not transferred by a computer system executing debits and credits between individual accounts, but instead by individuals directly transferring ecoins amongst themselves (as is done in cash transactions, i.e., without double-entry bookkeeping).

Abstract: A system and method for permitting gold or other commodities to circulate as currency requires a network of system users that participate in financial transactions where payment is made in units of gold. The gold is kept in secure storage at a deposit site for the benefit of the users. The payments in gold are effected through a computer system having data storage and transaction processing programs that credit or debit the units of account of gold for the account of each system user. The system and method allows gold to circulate as an electronic payment through the global computer network (Internet) and/or private communication networks. The sum total of all circulating electronic gold (denominated in physical measures such as weights such as grams and/or ounces and fractions thereof) will equal the weight of all the gold held for safekeeping at the storage site(s) for the users of the system.

Abstract: A system and method to allow gold to circulate as digital cash through the global computer network (Internet) and/or private communication networks, in both hardwired and wireless systems, much like cash currently circulates in the physical world. A computer system is structured to allow the system user who is attached to the network to transfer digital data values based on gold units of account to or from a portable electronic device, such as a smartcard, and to or from other system users having compatible electronic devices. The sum total of all circulating digital data values will equal the weight of all the gold held for safekeeping at the storage site(s) for the users of the bank. The ownership of the electronic gold values is not transferred by a computer system executing debits and credits between individual accounts, but instead by individuals directly transferring the digital data values amongst themselves (as is done in cash transactions, i.e., without double-entry bookkeeping).

Abstract: A system and method to allow gold to circulate as digital cash through the global computer network (Internet) and/or private communication networks much like cash currently circulates in the physical world. A computer system (emint) will create digital representations of gold (ecoins). Each ecoin will represent a weight of gold held at a participating secure storage facility (storage site), and each ecoin is given by the emint a unique Digital Hallmark™ by which it can be distinguished and identified. The sum total of all circulating ecoins (denominated in physical measures such as weights such as grams and/or ounces and fractions thereof) will equal the weight of all the gold held for safekeeping at the storage site(s) for the users of the emint. The ownership of gold is not transferred by a computer system executing debits and credits between individual accounts, but instead by individuals directly transferring ecoins amongst themselves (as is done in cash transactions, i.e.

Abstract: A system and method to allow gold to circulate as digital cash through the global computer network (Internet) and/or private communication networks much like cash currently circulates in the physical world. A computer system (emint) will create digital representations of gold (ecoins). Each ecoin will represent a weight of gold held at a participating secure storage facility (storage site), and each ecoin is given by the emint a unique Digital Hallmark.TM. by which it can be distinguished and identified. The sum total of all circulating ecoins (denominated in physical measures such as weights such as grams and/or ounces and fractions thereof) will equal the weight of all the gold held for safekeeping at the storage site(s) for the users of the emint. The ownership of gold is not transferred by a computer system executing debits and credits between individual accounts, but instead by individuals directly transferring ecoins amongst themselves (as is done in cash transactions, i.e.