Kingpins, I would have expected China to be a contender due to their large/strong economy. They are the second largest after the US, arent they? Actually probably stronger than the US. You mention a "basket of currencies".....all the reading I did on this issue indicates a possibility of several reserve currencies, not just the one. Indications are that the Aussie$ may become one, if not already one. In recent times of US financial turmoil, the US$ has still been the "safe haven" currency. As the US$ drifts towards the US Peso, this may well change. Countries may just back their issued currencies with gold again....and Fort Knox may be found to be empty.