Bitcoin is a limited digital asset, as after the 21 million are mined (predicted to be in 2140), there will never be more Bitcoin released. This makes it similar to gold in terms of scarcity.
Gold is an asset that will eventually deplete regardless of how many nuggets we capitalise. Easy mining of gold will run out by approximately 2050.
Store of Value vs. Fiat
There are at least two assets that are independent from the government: crypto currencies and gold. Experts believe that, while digital assets and gold may be volatile, they both have been proven to retain monetary value. Prices of both of these assets appreciate or depreciate based on demand and supply.
In the case of fiat money, bank deposits can be depreciated due to inflation controlled by the government. Not only be depreciated, but also be withdrawn or frozen under some invented grounds.
Hedge Against inflation?
What would you say if I tell you that in 7 Years the value of Cash that you hold will become half?
Investors view bitcoin as digital gold and a hedge against inflation, expecting it to appreciate over time over-performing the current inflation rate. The same stands for Gold but it has not performed well in the past few years.
Below are 4 features that makes Bitcoin not just similar but a better asset than Gold
● Rarity: Bitcoin is rare. It cannot be created at will; there are only 21 million of them, and no one can create more. That means that no government can control it or fake it. No one is going to create more gold which will be feasible. The scarcity of gold changes depending on how much you put into finding it.
● Durability – Both bitcoins and gold are almost perfectly durable. As long as the internet operates, bitcoin will be in use. As far back as it can be traced, gold has been used to make jewelry, trade, etc.
● Divisibility – Bitcoin can be divided into individual satoshis, with 100,000,000 satoshis making up 1 BTC. Gold cannot be divided as easily or as precisely but it can be minted in smaller denominations
● They are hard to fake – Bitcoin and gold can’t be counterfeited and duplicated. Bitcoin is easy to recognize and impossible to counterfeit. Gold is pretty recognizable, though it must be tested for purity under some circumstances.
(Economy India)
