US Supreme Court Allows 40 States to Issue Gold-Backed Currencies: Time to Consider Bitcoin?

• The US Federal Reserve has ruled that states can issue alternative currencies.
• Though gold and silver-backed currencies are recognized, Bitcoin may also gain entry in the future.

The US Supreme Court recently permitted 40 states to issue gold—and silver-backed currencies. This move could usher the US crypto economy in a new direction and raise the possibility of Bitcoin (BTC) integration.

US Supreme Court Endorses Dual Banking System

While national banks are subject primarily to federal oversight and regulation, state banks are subject to additional regional regulation. These two banking systems coexist and compete. However, a new development concerns state-sponsored banks and their power to issue gold—and silver-backed currencies.

“The United States maintains a dual system of banking, made up of parallel federal and state banking systems. That dual system allows privately owned banks to choose whether to obtain a charter from the Federal Government or from a state government,” the Supreme Court noted.

Under the dual banking system, each state in the United States has its own banking system, which runs concurrently with the Federal Reserve. Additionally, state-sponsored banks can now buy gold reserves and withdraw from the Federal Reserve system. This creates a dual banking model where state banks can operate independently of the corporate Fed system.

This system has profound implications for the US financial systems. First, states that opt to establish gold—and silver-backed currencies may minimize their reliance on the Federal Reserve. Second, it allows for alternate currencies like digital assets within individual states. 

For instance, Louisiana, Utah, and Texas have all passed legislation recognizing gold and silver as legal tender. South Carolina has also taken steps to recognize gold and silver as legal tender. 

This trend reflects a growing interest in alternative monetary systems and discussions about central banks’ roles and state autonomy.

Is It Time To Consider Bitcoin?

Bitcoin is typically viewed as property rather than cash. However, there are outliers, such as El Salvador, which recognized Bitcoin as legal cash in June 2021. 

In the US, the Federal Reserve previously concluded that Bitcoin is unresponsive to both monetary and macroeconomic news, per a CNF report. As a result, the Fed opposes Bitcoin as a form of payment at scale due to its high volatility.

Now that some US states seek alternative currencies, Bitcoin could find a place in this new shift. Notably, Bitcoin is widely accepted as a valid store of wealth and hedge against inflation. 

Besides El Salvador, several countries like Zimbabwe and Guatemala have explored Bitcoin’s capabilities as a valuable asset. Following Donald Trump’s election victory in the US, Pennsylvania has proposed adding Bitcoin to the state treasury. 

As CNF reported, the state aims to distribute up to 10% of the $7 billion in Treasury funds. These efforts could push other states seeking alternative currencies to adopt Bitcoin.