Money Mining and Price Dynamics

Abstract

We develop a random-matching model to study the price dynamics of monies produced privately according to a time-consuming mining technology. For our leading example, there exists a unique equilibrium where the value of money increases over time and reaches a steady state. There is also a continuum of perfect-foresight equilibria where the price of money inflates and bursts gradually over time. Initially, money is held for a speculative motive, but it acquires a transactional role as it becomes sufficiently abundant. We study fiat, commodity, and crypto monies, endogenous acceptability, and adopt implementation and equilibrium approaches. (JEL E31, E42, E51, N13, N14, N23, N24)