RCO
The 'RCO Set' refers to a group of 34 2008 Liberty Dollar silver pieces marked by Regional Currency Offices (RCOs) using custom stamps. There are also custom and unsanctioned stamps that expand the range of known pieces, though they aren't considered part of the core RCO Set.
Commonly called “naked backs,” these pieces were issued without the standard Liberty Dollar reverse design, leaving a blank surface specifically intended for hallmarking. This variation emerged after the federal raid in late 2007 interrupted centralized production/distribution and forced the Liberty Dollar operation into a more fragmented, region-based model.
RCOs began stamping and distributing the remaining inventory independently. Most acquired custom punches - often designed by Ron Goodger - to apply hallmarks to one-ounce silver pieces. These stamps typically featured local branding such as logos, city names, or other identifiers that tied each piece to its RCO of origin. Some RCOs also had smaller punches made to mark fractional sizes, including 1/5 and 1/10 ounce pieces. A handful of 2/5 and $50 base pieces were marked as well, though their production was limited due to the higher cost of blanks. Some of the smaller-sized pieces were stamped using the larger one-ounce punch, resulting in variants where the hallmark appears oversized or awkwardly placed relative to the blank.
The variety of stamps reflects a wide geographic range and significant stylistic diversity. In many cases, stamps were created or obtained after the initial supply of blanks had run out. This required coordination between RCOs, with unstamped pieces being shipped between parties for hallmarking. As a result, some varieties exist in extremely limited quantities - some (like Idaho) believed to number as few as 20 - making them highly sought after among collectors. Further production is impossible for several types, as the RCOs responsible for hallmarking them have since passed away.
Beyond the official hallmarks, a number of unofficial or unsanctioned stamps are known to exist. These were applied at the discretion of individual RCOs without central approval. Notable examples include a skull and crossbones design that was explicitly denied permission due to its negative implications, but was used anyway. Other informal additions include stamped text like “Willow Springs” or “Cabool” that appeared beneath formal hallmarks on specific pieces. The full extent of these unsanctioned variations is unknown.
Additionally, a few thematic or promotional stamps were created by RCOs but distributed outside the official Liberty Dollar channels. Among these are the “PEACE” stamp and a stamp promoting the Porcupine Freedom Festival (“Porcfest”), both of which add further variety to the set. Because these pieces were only available through the RCOs who commissioned the stamps.
Taken together, the RCO Set offers a unique and historically rich look at a decentralized currency effort operating under legal and logistical pressure. Each hallmark serves as both a record of its time and a symbol of regional participation in a movement that challenged conventional monetary systems.
Who knows what else is out there. If you have photos of any pieces not listed here, please get in touch - I’ll gladly add them with full credit to you.
Ann Arbor
Austin
Austin Peace
Asheville
Boston
Buffalo
Cal Anaheim
Cal Berkeley
Cal El Dorado
Cal Evergreen
Cal Hollister
Cass County Cash
Chambersburg
Dallas
Denver
El Dorado (Peace)
Evansville
Georgia
Greensboro
Greensboro (BCENTENNIAL Error)
Hudson Valley
Idaho
Indianapolis
Mid Michigan
Missouri
Nebraska
New Hampshire - Free State Project
New Hampshire - Live Free or Die
Peace
Penna
Puerto Rico
Reno
South Bend
Tucson
Virginia
Additional / Unofficial
Missouri - Cabool, Mountain Grove, Willow Springs
These are extremely rare - I’ve only come across one complete set, which was owned by former RCO Jeff Kotchounian. I haven’t seen a single example appear in any eBay listings dating back to 2008 or anywhere else on the internet.
Skull and Cross Bones (Unofficial)
This unofficial stamp features a skull and crossbones design and was never approved for use by Liberty Services. The design was considered too provocative and potentially damaging to the image of the Liberty Dollar project, so formal permission to produce it was denied. Despite this, it's believed that at least one RCO (possibly from CA) went ahead and created the stamp independently. Only a handful of examples may exist, making it one of the most elusive pieces associated with the extended RCO Set.
