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- Samson Mow highlights that Bitcoin ownership is based on private key knowledge, whereas gold remains a bearer asset requiring physical possession.
- Unlike gold, which requires physical storage and protection, cryptographic keys secure Bitcoin ownership, making it a knowledge-based asset.
- While gold surges amid economic uncertainty, Bitcoin faces resistance despite long-term bullish projections, including Mow’s $1M BTC forecast.
Bitcoin (BTC) has been touted for years as “digital gold,” with comparisons to the precious metal that has been a store of value for many centuries being made repeatedly. But according to Samson Mow of Bitcoin-centric firm JAN3 and gaming firm Pixelmatic, there is one key distinction between the two instruments that is not being made often enough.
In one of his post on March 15, 2025, X (formerly Twitter), Mow pointed out that with gold (XAU), one owns it not through possession but through knowledge. Control of the BTC is based on the private key, a vital cryptographic element that gives access to funds. But gold remains a bearer asset where the possessor of the metal has full control.
The tradition of “bearing” an asset has historically been one of possessing it in the physical realm, but that is upended with Bitcoin. Mow stressed that “bearing” an asset no longer applies, as BTC possession isn’t physical. Gold has historically been the preferred reserve asset due to its tangible nature. However, Bitcoin offers a new paradigm. It enables possession through knowledge and security mechanisms rather than physical ownership. This shift challenges traditional notions of asset reserves.
Bitcoin has been lauded for years as fixed in supply and decentralized, and thus as an attractive alternative to inflation-prone fiat currencies. Like gold, Bitcoin is scarce as it has a total supply of 21 million coins. But the divergence of the model of ownership of the two assets illustrates the innovative manner in which Bitcoin addresses financial sovereignty.
Gold Soars Bitcoin Stalls Will BTC Rebound
Even with increasing adoption, Bitcoin is finding it difficult to achieve bullish momentum right now. As of writing, the price of BTC stands at $84,321 and has increased 0.12% in the last 24 hours. Its market cap is $1.67 trillion with $38.58 billion in daily trade volume. But overall market sentiment remains cautious as evident from the Cryptocurrency Fear and Greed Index of 46/100 indicating fear.
In the interim, gold (XAU) remains solid as a safe haven against economic crisis. With increasing fears of global recession, the precious metal has enjoyed a strong run to $3,001.30 an ounce in April futures. Metals Daily CEO Ross Norman expects gold’s price to rise to $3,200 by the end of 2025.
Mow, a well-known advocate of Bitcoin’s long-term potential, has previously championed the idea of BTC reaching $1,000,000 per coin. He has also been vocal about Bitcoin’s role in national reserves, arguing that governments should consider BTC as a strategic asset, much like gold. However, recent discussions about establishing a U.S. Federal Strategic Bitcoin Reserve have not garnered widespread support, highlighting the ongoing skepticism toward Bitcoin’s volatility and regulatory uncertainty.
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