Argentine Paper Money, San Luis Province, ND(2000) Bonos

**BACKGROUNDER & ACKNOWLEDGEMENT**
Argentina is a country with a rich numismatic history. The 1970's were a period of great financial instability which spawned "Bonos" and apparently these "Irregular" small change issues which are similar to the Italian Minicheck (miniassegni) issues of a similar period. It has been reported that these "purchase orders" are issued without government backing but as with other local currencies, they are permitted under the law. They are essentially agreements between a financial institution, companies that pay part of the salaries of its employees with these "purchase orders" and stores that accept them as payment for goods. It should be mentioned that in Argentina they currently are being used to purchase baskets of merchandise or for restaurant meals and their use has now become common. In acting like other local currencies issued around the world, their benefit is to keep money that is earned locally, circulating in the local area thereby promoting local businesses. We appreciate any additional information or images that collectors and visitors may wish to share for this or other catalog sections on this website. WK We gratefully acknowledge Dutch numismatist William N. Keijzers, LANSA 1373, IBNS 8097, Argentina specialist, for submitting many images and information used throughout this section. JAR We gratefully acknowledge the information that was provided about these issues from a gracious gentlemen from Argentina.