I love the idea of Gridcoin. I had this idea and considered to create a altcoin by my own. Then I googled a little bit and found Gridcoin. Glad, that this idea has already been realized. Great job and good luck for the coin!
Google "Nothaus silver dollars" to understand the legal complications in doing so (not saying it cannot be done, just why I would not do it and most devs would not invite such controversy either).
I'm wondering why there are no coins named Eurocoin (EUC) or (United)Dollarcoin (UDC) which have the goal to replace the fiat money with similar names. I think, the mass of people do believe in thinks there are familiar with. Coin names like dogecoin, catcoin or even bitcoin in some way sound untrustworthy to the most people. Let me give an example: I live in Europe. The people I meet are losing more and more trust in the Euro currency. These people realize bit by bit that they will pay the bill of an insane idea reconciling quite opposite economies, and that the inflation is much more higher than the official publishing. When I try to explain them the manner and advantages of cryptocoins I have often faced the question: "Cryptocoin? Bitcoin? What the hell is a bit?". If someone is not familiar with basic computer science knowledge it is hard to convince people for that idea then. So, naming coins after real existing currencies can increase the interest and acceptance of people and even businesses.
Many existing altcoins are crap! The value development of altcoins that have a value in some minor area will never reach $1000 (except there are only a few one of them ). I think, all will depend on the price development of bitcoins and how much people believe in fiat money in future.
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