[icebraining]

But my point is that the system doesn't have to support it, you can have "technically non-existent" Bitcoins like you have technically non-existent dollars. The bank can just tell you in your balance that you have Ƀ30 without actually having them according to the ledger.

[jpadkins]

correct. Which is how all dollar fractional reserve banks operate.

The sum of balances they report to depositors is much greater than the currency they actually have.