Then we end up with alternative currencies, from gold coins to silver jewelry.
In many parts of Africa, calling cards with cell phone air time are treated as currency. You can call home, transfer funds, check prices, check the weather, read news and call a nurse for medical advice or place orders using the phones. Such a thing isn’t unreasonable here given the prevalence of cell phones.
Agreed. As I stated earlier on the thread, my world view is shaped by my Christianity. My faith is very clear (through the Scriptures) that the entire world will one day (no one knows exactly when) will be under a global economic system controlled by marks on your forehead or forearm (where there is very little soft tissue underneath). No one will even be able to purchase food without this mark/tattoo/implant, etc.
In order to implement that, I would guess there will have to be a worldwide economic collapse that preceeds this implementation. It would have to be a catastrophe unlike any other in human history, and humanity will look for a "man with a plan" to get the world out of it. The Antichirst is prophesied to be (initially) a world leader with solutions. The world will follow him, and people will have a false hope.
"Never let a good crisis go to waste."
I will happen.