The Bank of Amsterdam and the Limits of Fiat Money

Wilko Bolt, Jon Frost, Hyun Song Shin and Peter Wierts

Journal of Political Economy, 2024, vol. 132, issue 12, 3919 - 3941

Abstract: Central banks can operate with negative equity, and many have done so in history without undermining trust in fiat money. However, there are limits. How negative can central bank equity be before fiat money loses credibility? We address this question using a global game approach motivated by the fall of the Bank of Amsterdam (1609–1820). We solve for the unique break point where negative equity and asset illiquidity render fiat money worthless. We draw lessons on the role of fiscal support and central bank capital in sustaining trust in fiat money.

Date: 2024
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Working Paper: The Bank of Amsterdam and the limits of fiat money (2023)
Working Paper: The Bank of Amsterdam and the limits of fiat money (2023)
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