Currency Accessible through Symbolic Holdings (CASH): A Novel Physical Token Exchange Protocol for Decentralized Value Transfer

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Abstract (English)

This paper introduces “CASH” (Currency Accessible through Symbolic Holdings), a novel currency exchange mechanism that leverages tangible symbolic tokens to facilitate secure and decentralized monetary transactions. Unlike conventional digital currencies reliant on centralized or distributed electronic ledgers, CASH tokens are physical artifacts representing monetary value, exchanged locally between individuals through direct physical interactions. This locality inherently mitigates common vulnerabilities associated with remote digital attacks, substantially narrowing the attack surface by requiring attackers’ physical proximity to gain unauthorized access. Moreover, the immediacy of CASH transactions significantly reduces long-term security implications of any compromise, as theft or unauthorized access is strictly limited to the physically stolen tokens, without enabling persistent access to broader financial holdings. Additionally, CASH’s decentralization renders it robust against widespread disruptions of internet infrastructure, ensuring continued operation in the event of systemic digital outages or cyber-attacks. Beyond these primary benefits, CASH also promotes economic inclusivity, enabling participation by individuals without digital infrastructure, fosters transactional privacy through the absence of electronic audit trails, and enhances community resilience by reinforcing local economic networks.