Did you know that the Berkshires region of Massachusetts had its own currency? It's called the BerkShares. It may sound like we're kidding, but we swear, this is 100% true.
The currency was launched in 2006 as an effort to foster the local economy by keeping funds circulating within the community. The BerkShare is pegged to the U.S. dollar at a rate of 95 U.S. cents for every BerkShare. You can get the currency by going to participating banks in the area.
The pictures on the BerkShares feature a number of famous former residents of the area. Herman Melville, author of Moby Dick, graces the 20 BerkShare, famed civil rights advocate W.E.B. DuBois appears on the 5 BerkShare, and artist Norman Rockwell has his face on the 50 BerkShare. And to a prove that there are only three famous people who have ever lived in the Berkshires, a woman named Robyn Van En, a farmer and community agriculture advocate, appears on the 10 BerkShare note.
