For one, under a gold standard money would serve its sole purpose as a unit of exchange, and for doing so would unleash very impressive growth.

FORBES: A Gold Standard Would Be Great, But It's Not a Deficit Cure

The Swiss franc has rallied over the recent quarters as just about the sole European alternative to the 17-nation single currency unit whose weaker deficit-ridden nations have raised angst for the euro.

FORBES: Franc Falls But Ratings Worries Dog Dollar