Loading
Skip to main content
Community Currency · 1 Credito = 1 Euro

The
Credito

Damanhur's internal complementary currency — one of the world's longest-running community currencies. Earned through contribution, spent within the federation's network of farms, workshops, and services. Founded 2001.

The ConstitutionCommunity Life
Damanhur›Community›The Credito
Economic Sovereignty

A Currency
of Contribution

The Credito is not a replacement for money — it is an addition to it. Community members receive Crediti for their contribution hours and spend them within the federation economy. The Euro runs in parallel for all external transactions.

Launched in 2001, the Credito is one of the world's most long-lived intentional-community complementary currencies — predating the widespread 'local currency' movement in the UK and US by nearly a decade. It has been studied by researchers in community economics and featured in academic comparisons with Findhorn's IC, Ithaca HOURS, and Bristol Pound.

Important Note

The current operational status of the Credito is disputed. Damanhur's official website describes it in present tense. Some collector catalogues report that coins have been withdrawn from circulation. Visitors should confirm the Credito's status on arrival. OFFICIALDISPUTED

Exchange Rate
1 Credito = 1 Euro
Fixed rate. Crediti cannot be exchanged back to Euro by non-members.
Founded
2001
One of the world's oldest running community currencies.
Where Accepted
Federation businesses
Community farm, Academy, artisan workshops, restaurant.
How Earned
Contribution hours
15–20h/week community work = Crediti allocation per member.
Coins & Notes
Denominations: 1, 2, 5, 10
Physical currency with Damanhurian sacred imagery.
Visitor Access
Not available to visitors
Temple visits and all visitor services are in Euro only.
Academic Context

Complementary
Currency in Context

The Credito belongs to a tradition of community currencies designed to strengthen local economic circulation. Comparative examples from academic literature:

Italy · Est. 2001
Damanhur Credito

Internal federation currency. 1:1 Euro peg. Accepted by community farms, workshops, Academy, restaurant. Status 2026: verify on arrival.

UK · Est. 2012
Bristol Pound

UK city-wide complementary currency. Accepted by 800+ local businesses. Wound down 2020 following digital payment shift.

USA · Est. 1991
Ithaca HOURS

One of the world's oldest local currencies. Based on 1 HOUR = 10 USD = 1 hour of labour. Still in circulation.

Scotland · Est. 1982
Findhorn IC

Internal community currency at Findhorn ecovillage, Scotland. Community credits earned through contribution. Parallel to GBP.

Source: Palmisano & Pannofino (Palgrave 2022); academic literature on complementary currencies in intentional communities. ACADEMIC

Programmes 2026 Book a Visit