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What if your town or city decided to produce its own form of currency? Use the directions and the guidelines in the following presentation to create two pieces of money that represent your city (Common Currency).You will need to draw one coin and one paper note (bill). The worksheet will be Extra Credit.

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Creating a local currency is a creative way to promote community identity and support local businesses. Here’s a suggestion for the designs of your coin and paper note, including what they could represent.

Coin Design

Name: Maple Coin

  • Shape: Circular
  • Diameter: 2 inches

Front Side:

  • Central Image: A stylized representation of a maple leaf, symbolizing nature and local heritage.
  • Text: Around the perimeter, it says “Maple City Currency” at the top and “1 Maple” at the bottom, indicating the value.
  • Background: A subtle pattern of intertwined branches or roots, signifying community connections.

Back Side:

  • Image: A depiction of a prominent local landmark (e.g., a historic building, park, or statue), showcasing the pride in local history.
  • Text: “Supporting Local Businesses” prominently displayed, along with the year the currency was introduced.

Paper Note Design

Name: Maple Dollar

  • Size: 6 inches (width) x 3 inches (height)

Front Side:

  • Central Image: A vibrant illustration of the city skyline, incorporating major features like bridges, towers, or natural landscapes.
  • Text: “Maple Dollar” in bold, artistic lettering at the top. Below it, the text reads “One Dollar in Local Value” to emphasize its use to support the local economy.
  • Color Scheme: Green and brown tones, representing the environment and sustainability.

Back Side:

  • Image: An illustrated scene of people shopping at a local farmers' market or festival, reflecting community spirit and engagement.
  • Text: In one corner, include a quote or local saying that captures the essence of the community. For example, “Together We Thrive.”
  • Additional Features: A watermark of the local emblem or a recognizable symbol of the city for authenticity.

Purpose of the Currency

Reasons for Local Currency:

  1. Encourage spending within the community by providing a medium of exchange that can only be used locally.
  2. Strengthen local businesses by drawing consumers' attention to new products and services.
  3. Promote community events or initiatives, using the currency as a means to subsidize local projects.
  4. Foster community pride and identity through the design and symbolism on the currency.

Extra Credit Worksheet

To complement your coin and note designs, consider creating a worksheet that includes:

  1. A brief description of your town's history and significance.
  2. The benefits of using local currency within the community and how it could help local businesses.
  3. A short survey or suggestions section for community members to brainstorm ideas about what else the currency could be used for or additional imagery they’d like to see.

This assignment can help illustrate the value of community engagement and local economies!