AOCS Approved Atlas Shrugged 'Money: The Root of All Good' 1 oz Copper Round
Bullion / Coin / Commemorative Medallion · AOCS (American Open Currency Standard) approved, likely minted by a private US-based bullion mint such as SilverTowne or Sunshine Minting for promotional/political distribution. AOCS was an organization promoting alternative currencies.
Pattern: Atlas Shrugged / Ayn Rand Series; introduced in 2010; limited production primarily for political and economic enthusiasts.
Type
Bullion / Coin / Commemorative Medallion
Maker
AOCS (American Open Currency Standard) approved, likely minted by a private US-based bullion mint such as SilverTowne or Sunshine Minting for promotional/political distribution. AOCS was an organization promoting alternative currencies.
Material
.999 Fine Copper; 1 Avoirdupois Ounce (AVDP) of copper. Note: This item is copper, not silver, despite the bullion format.
Dimensions
Diameter: Approximately 39mm; Weight: 28.35 grams (1 Avoirdupois ounce). This is slightly lighter and usually larger/thicker than a troy ounce silver round.
Description
A provocative numismatic medallion struck in brilliant copper, this round serves as a physical manifestation of Ayn Rand's 'Atlas Shrugged' philosophy. Departing from the biblical 'root of all evil,' it boldly asserts money as the 'root of all good.' The design is minimalist and industrial, featuring the currency symbol of the 'free world' and acting as a piece of political activism in the form of bullion.
Key Features
Inverted biblical quote 'Root of All Good'; 'AOCS APPROVED' stamp; specifically denotes Avoirdupois weight rather than the Troy weight standard used for silver and gold.
Material & Composition
.999 Fine Copper; 1 Avoirdupois Ounce (AVDP) of copper. Note: This item is copper, not silver, despite the bullion format.
Finish & Decoration
Mirror-like proof-like finish on the fields with frosted relief; features a stylized dollar sign within a circle, the text 'MONEY: THE ROOT OF ALL GOOD', 'READ ATLAS SHRUGGED', and 'AOCS APPROVED'. Modern industrial design with clean fonts.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Stamped on face: 'ONE AV OUNCE .999 COPPER' and 'AOCS APPROVED - 2010'. No traditional silver hallmarks are present as the item is pure copper.
Construction Details
Machine die-struck; industrial minting process using high-pressure hydraulic presses to strike a copper blank between two hardened steel dies.
Functional Features
Non-monetary medallion; reeded edge for grip and to prevent shavings; designed as a store of base metal value or a 'challenge coin' / conversational piece.
Handle & Grip Details
Reeded (milled) edge around the circumference to provide a tactile grip and traditional coin feel.
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality industrial strike; the relief is sharp and the lettering is well-defined. Shows better-than-average detail for base metal bullion, indicating use of professional minting dies.
Authentication Indicators
Clearly states '.999 COPPER'; weight should be exactly 28.35g; AOCS logo and 2010 date are sharp and consistent with known promotional rounds from that organization.
Origin & Manufacturing
United States; produced in a private minting facility under the standards of the American Open Currency Standard (AOCS).
Era & Period
Modern / Contemporary (2010); specifically aligned with the Tea Party movement era and Libertarian political philosophy revitalized in the early 21st century.
Age Estimate
Dated 2010; 14 years old as of 2024.
Cultural Significance
Represents the intersection of numismatics and Libertarian political theory in the post-2008 financial crisis era; highlights the 'Hard Money' movement's focus on tangible assets over fiat currency.
Condition Notes
Very Good to Excellent. Shows slight oxidation/toning typical for copper (turning a deeper orange/brown). Minor surface contact marks and light fingerprints suggest it has Been handled without gloves. No major dings or rim nicks visible.
Value Estimate
$2.00 - $6.00 USD. Value is driven primarily by the spot price of copper and a small premium for the political 'Atlas Shrugged' niche, rather than numismatic rarity.
Care & Maintenance
Store in an airtight PVC-free capsule to prevent 'verdigris' (green oxidation). If tarnished, avoid harsh silver dips; use a specialized copper cleaner or simply enjoy the natural brown patina that develops over time.
Similar Pieces
1 oz Silver version of the same design (marked .925 or .999 Silver); Zombucks series; SilverTowne 'Don't Tread on Me' rounds; various Ayn Rand commemorative medals.
Interesting Facts
The slogan 'Money is the root of all good' is a direct reference to Francisco d'Anconia's famous 'Money Speech' in Ayn Rand's novel. AOCS attempted to create an 'economy of honest money' using these rounds as trade units.