Instead of counting your Benjamins, you might be counting your Murrays, if the new digital currency that borrows the face of comedic legend Bill Murray takes off.
Descended form Bitcoin and Litecoin, Murraycoin is a “peer-to-peer currency enabling worldwide instant payments” that uses the likeness of Mr. Murray, according to the website. Like Bitcoin, Murraycoin is “opensource,” meaning the design is public, it is not “owned” or managed by anyone, and all are welcome. Users must download software to use Murraycoin, similar to Bitcoin.
Murraycoin was launched in January, and while Mr. Murray has not specifically objected to the use of his name or likeness, he has not endorsed the digital currency either. Brock Holzer, one of the lead programmers behind Murraycoin, said they have spoken with the person who oversees Mr. Murray’s foundation, Murray Bros. Foundation, and the charity though it was possible the star might be willing to get involved in some way, reported The Post and Courier.
“My thinking is whatever they feel comfortable doing,” Mr. Holzer told The Post and Courier. “It’s an open source project. I don’t own the company. I don’t own the coin. His involvement would definitely drive the value up.”
Why Bill Murray? Mr. Holzer and his investors think Murraycoin could be a great way to raise money for charities — like the Murray Bros. Foundation — and raise awareness about digital currency, reported The Post and Courier. Mr. Murray’s name recognition could help raise that awareness.
“I think a lot of people are still hesitant to get on board with the Bitcoin thing and alternative currency,” Brian Schmidt, a Murraycoin investor told The Post and Courier. “A lot of people haven’t heard of it. But a lot of people like Bill Murray and have heard of Bill Murray.”
Mr. Murray’s lack of endorsement has hampered growth of Murraycoin— one Murraycoin is worth less than five cents — but Mr. Schmidt and Mr. Holzer are hopeful if the digital currency will eventually be accepted as a form of payment, according to The Post and Courier.
• Jennifer Pompi can be reached at jpompi@washingtontimes.com.
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