Like any other asset, bitcoin's value continually fluctuates in the worldwide market of people buying and selling bitcoin. When it was invented in 2009, a bitcoin was worth nothing. At the time of this writing, one is worth about $9,000.
How valuable can a bitcoin become? Nobody knows. But here are some estimates.
- A lot of people hold gold as a "safe haven" asset. If 1/3 of the $8 trillion market for gold flowed into Bitcoin, a single bitcoin would be worth $125,000.
- A pricing model called "Stock-to-flow" that's used to value commodities like gold and diamonds predicts a future bitcoin value of more than $1 million.
- Former PayPal director Wences Casares gives bitcoin a 50% chance of being worth $1 million within a decade. Since it's still only a decade old—compared to say, 5,000 years for gold—he also gives it a 20% chance of failing, and being worth $zero.
With that in mind, should you own some bitcoin? →
- 1What is Bitcoin?Bitcoin is the internet’s native form of money.
- 2How does Bitcoin work?This is where things get a little tricky, but it’s actually simpler than it seems at first.
- 3What’s special about Bitcoin?Bitcoin has a number of characteristics that make it unique!
- 4What is a bitcoin worth?Just like all assets, Bitcoin is worth whatever the market decides it’s worth.
- 5Should I own some bitcoin?That’s up to you, but here is how some of the world’s most successful people answer that question.
- 6How do I get some bitcoin?You can buy bitcoin with a bank transfer, debit or credit card.
- 7What can I do with my bitcoin?An overview of holding, spending and earning money with your bitcoin.
- 8Frequently Asked QuestionsNow that you know the basics, let’s answer some of the most frequently asked questions.
