- The coin’s quantity does not change, which makes it different from other assets like gold.
- The extraction process secures Bitcoin and keeps its supply limited.
- Bitcoin’s price has seen big changes, but its fixed supply may attract investors.
The coin remains a leader in the digital currency sale and continues to spark discussions about its economic structure. Bill Miller, a well-known investor, believes that its unique feature is its fixed supply. Unlike traditional commodities like gold, BTC supply does not change with demand. This essential fact raises questions about Bitcoin’s role in the changing financial world.
Correction: “Bitcoin was the first economic entity where the supply is unnafected by the demand.” https://t.co/6vXLFXIeYZ
— Good Morning Crypto (@AbsGMCrypto) October 12, 2024
The Comparison Between Bitcoin and Gold
Miller emphasizes important differences between Bitcoin and gold. When gold prices go up, mining often increases. For example, if gold prices rise to $18,000, more extracting operations may begin. This increase in availability could affect gold’s market value. In contrast, BTC has a set supply of 21M coins. Hence, no matter how high the price goes, the number of Bitcoins remains the same. This difference makes the coin scarce and may enhance its appeal as a digital asset.
Understanding Bitcoin’s Mining Process
Launched in 2009 by Satoshi Nakamoto, BTC works on a non-centralized system. Miners validate transactions by solving mathematical problems. This process secures the blockchain and issues new coins. This limited availability attracts investors who want a stable asset.
Bitcoin’s predictable supply performs an essential role in its value. Many see the digital currency as a way to protect against inflation. As conventional currencies fluctuate, their fixed supply might offer a sense of security.
Historical Price Movements of Bitcoin
Since its launch, the token has seen major price changes. Its first recorded price appeared on August 17, 2010. Demand grew quickly, leading to a remarkable increase in value. For example, Bitcoin’s price rose 100 times between April 2011 and April 2013.
On November 28, 2013, the coin broke the $1,000 mark for the first time. By December 1, 2017, it hit an all-time high of $10,000. However, after this peak, it experienced rapid declines. By the same month in 2018, it had lost about 80% of its worth.
Research from Stavis in 2018 showed thirteen significant price drops. Each drop was at least 30% between January 2012 and August 2018. These shifts suggest that while the coin is a speculative instrument, its role as an asset faces challenges in a rapidly changing market.