Gold is the money of kings; silver is the money of gentlemen; barter is the money of peasants; but debt is the money of slaves.

This is an interesting take on the American revolution--and money. 

http://investmentwatchblog.com/gold-is-the-money-of-kings-silver-is-the-money-of-gentlemen-barter-is-the-money-of-peasants-but-debt-is-the-money-of-slaves/