independence

独立　—　People & places

Leaving the rule of another country and becoming a state that decides for itself.

Gold ducatEstablished 1586 Half-tostão silver coinJohn IV (mid-17th century) Continental note (one sixth of a dollar)Resolution of 17 February 1776

⚠ The first question a newly independent nation faces is "how to establish trust in its own currency." A flag and a constitution can be declared, but the credibility of a currency cannot.