Yes, and maybe that was the main obstacle to implementation.<p>Reading some of the original literature, and glossing over the textbook, it seems like many of the issues involved with double spending and counterfeiters are _eventually_ resolved with someone going to jail, rather than being able to resolve the financial payments in order. A naïve solution - which might save some energy - what about using signed timestamps from an adequate authority?<p>Here is the article from 1991 for those interested in the original idea: <a href="http:&#x2F;&#x2F;link.springer.com&#x2F;chapter&#x2F;10.1007%2F3-540-46766-1_27" rel="nofollow">http:&#x2F;&#x2F;link.springer.com&#x2F;chapter&#x2F;10.1007%2F3-540-46766-1_27</a>