For centuries, gold has been a symbol of safety – an asset that investors turn to in uncertain times. But since the summer of 2025, something has changed. The price of gold has begun to rise at a pace that is more reminiscent of cryptocurrencies than a traditional precious metal. A new phenomenon is being observed in the markets – the so-called “bitcoinization“ of gold.
The term “bitcoinization“ describes a moment when an asset ceases to be a simple means of storing value and becomes the object of mass investment euphoria. People are no longer buying gold just to protect against inflation, but because they believe that its price will continue to grow – and are afraid of missing the opportunity.
Until recently, gold was perceived as a “slow“ and stable asset – the antithesis of Bitcoin. Today, however, more and more investors, funds and even corporations are redirecting their capital to it, looking for a real asset in the era of monetary easing, high government debts and geopolitical tensions.
Gold ETFs are reporting record capital inflows, and some analysts are already talking about a scenario of $10,000 per ounce in the coming years.
Over the past decade, Bitcoin has been called the “digital gold“. Today, we can say that gold is becoming the “physical Bitcoin“ - an asset that simultaneously concentrates fear, hope and speculation. This is the essence of Bitcoinization - when the psychology of the crypto market conquers the real world.
The possible consequences are serious. Central banks will likely rethink the role of gold in their reserves. The dollar may lose some of its status as the main reserve currency. And investors will have to decide whether gold remains a hedge or has already become the new race for profit.
If Bitcoin was the digital gold, now gold is the new Bitcoin. The difference is that this time the old king is getting his crown back – but with the behavior of the young one.