MATTOLE SELF-SUFFICIENCY PROJECT

Petols for the Mattole

The starting point for a local currency for the Mattole is the creation of silver coins that could be used as a medium of exchange should the necessity arise. These coins would be a store of value (silver) and should appreciate over time as the value of the US dollar declines and the price of silver continues to rise (in terms of dollars).

The coins would be Mattole Sesquicentenial commemorative coins. Initially, there would be four silver coins, ranging in size from the present US dime (one petol) up to a silver dollar (ten petols). The ten petol coin would contain one ounce of silver and would be equivalent to ten US dollars at the present price for silver. There would also be a two petol coin and a five petol coin. Later, copper coins for fractional petols would be issued, such as a half petol, a quarter petol, and one-tenth of a petol.

It has been suggested that each of the four silver coins reflect some significant aspect of life in the Mattole. These might include ranching, agriculture, fishing, and timber. The design of these coins is open to Mattole residents with the winning design receiving ten petols and the honor of having their initials as part of the design of the coin.

Last Updated: 23 Mar 2005