Bitcoin has officially overtaken gold as the preferred hard asset among American investors, according to new data from bitcoin financial services firm River. The survey, released this week, found that 49.6 million Americans — 18.6% of the adult population — now own bitcoin. That compares to 28.8 million Americans, or 10.8% of adults, who own gold.
49.6 million bitcoin holders vs. 28.8 million gold owners
The numbers are stark. Bitcoin's ownership base is more than 20 million people larger than gold's. That gap represents a significant shift in how Americans view store-of-value assets. For years, gold was the default hedge against inflation and economic uncertainty. Now, bitcoin is pulling ahead.
Bitcoin's edge in a changing market
River's data doesn't break down why investors are choosing bitcoin over gold, but the trend is clear. Bitcoin's portability, divisibility, and 24/7 market make it easier to buy and sell than physical gold. Younger investors, in particular, have shown a strong preference for digital assets over traditional commodities.
What the survey tells us
The survey was conducted by River, a firm that helps institutions and individuals buy and manage bitcoin. The company said the data shows bitcoin has overtaken gold as the preferred hard asset among American investors. That's a milestone for an asset class that was barely a decade old when gold bugs dismissed it as a fad.
Gold still has its defenders. It's been a store of value for centuries, and central banks continue to hold it. But among American retail investors, bitcoin is now the clear winner. The numbers mark a concrete shift in the landscape of hard assets.
