Key Takeaways
- Fifty million Americans own Bitcoin, compared to only 37 million who own gold.
- The main narrative here is that Bitcoin, which is less than 15 years old, being even in the conversation speaks to its rapid rise compared to gold, which has been around for centuries.
- Donald Trump’s pledge to make America the global Bitcoin capital is coming true just a few months after he took office.
At least 50 million Americans own Bitcoin, compared to only 37 million who own gold, meaning that for the first time in history, US citizens own more Bitcoin than gold.
According to a report by Bitcoin financial firm River, digital gold has overtaken its analog counterpart in terms of retail ownership for the first time, signaling a potential paradigm shift in how people view and store their wealth. Even more intriguing is the fact that regulatory shifts might soon unlock $8.9 trillion in 401(k) funds for Bitcoin, a move that could further amplify this trend.
More Bitcoin than Gold in Only 15 Years
Once praised for its stability, gold now trails a 2009-born cryptocurrency. The data underscores a market shift, with Bitcoin drawing a younger, tech-forward crowd away from gold’s traditional base. The close to 50 million Americans who held digital gold as of June are roughly 15% of the US population. According to the River report, the figure is higher than those holding gold, a staple of financial security for centuries.
While the number of people holding gold could rise and narrow Bitcoin’s lead if those with gold jewelry were counted, the comparison still carries weight. Although gold has been around for ages, the fact that Americans have held more Bitcoin than gold in only 15 years since Bitcoin was invented tells a new story. The main narrative here is that Bitcoin is even in the conversation, which speaks to its rapid rise.
Embraced By Leaders at the Highest Levels
Speaking to a packed audience during this week’s Bitcoin Conference 2025 in Las Vegas, US Vice President JD Vance noted that what had started as a movement of early adopters—many of them twentysomethings dressed in hoodies—has matured into a full-blown national economic priority, embraced by leaders at the highest levels of government and finance. He said:
“We want our fellow Americans to know that crypto and digital assets, particularly Bitcoin, are part of the mainstream economy and are here to stay.”
A Little Over 100 Days into Trump’s Administration
The report showing Americans hold more Bitcoin than gold comes hot on the heels of the aftermath of President Donald Trump’s declarations about the flagship cryptocurrency. It will be remembered that last summer, Trump made headlines during his campaign when he spoke at a Bitcoin conference. He pledged to lower the regulatory hurdles of the Biden administration, to kill Operation Choke Point 2.0, and to position the US as the global leader in Bitcoin.
Less than a year later, and a little over 100 days into Trump’s second administration, that vision is rapidly becoming reality. The recently concluded Las Vegas Conference was the largest in the history of Bitcoin, with over 35,000 attendees. The lineup of speakers included the who’s who of power players: sitting senators and representatives, big-name executives, and the president’s sons. It was more than a convention for crypto enthusiasts. It was a policy summit.
Conclusion
As the United States celebrates its 250th anniversary next year, Bitcoin could take a place as a symbol of the incoming economic independence. As we all know, the internet is the current backbone of the global economy, and the same arc of adoption is playing out in real time with Bitcoin. According to US Vice President Vance, Bitcoin isn’t going away, and it’s only going to grow stronger, with America leading the charge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who owns the most Bitcoin in the world?
As of today, the US government owns more than twice the global market share of Bitcoin as it does of gold.
What country loves Bitcoin?
Malta, Germany, Singapore, Estonia, Canada, Gibraltar, the Netherlands, the United States, Portugal, and Luxembourg are among the top 10 crypto-friendly nations listed in this article. These nations have demonstrated their commitment to fostering innovation, attracting investors, and establishing robust crypto ecosystems.
Who owns the most Bitcoin?
It’s unsurprising that the pseudonymous creator of Bitcoin, Satoshi Nakamoto, remains the largest holder of the cryptocurrency. It’s estimated he holds an astonishing fortune of around 1.1 million BTC.
