Bitcoin has significantly outpaced gold and silver over the past decade, although critics argue that these comparisons may not hold over shorter periods. Since 2015, Bitcoin (BTC) has soared by an astounding 27,701%, while silver and gold saw gains of 405% and 283% respectively, according to insights from author and analyst Adam Livingston. In a recent social media post, Livingston highlighted that even when excluding Bitcoin's early years, the digital currency still far exceeds the performance of these traditional precious metals.
Peter Schiff, a prominent gold advocate and vocal Bitcoin skeptic, countered Livingston's analysis, suggesting that a four-year comparison would be more relevant, as he believes Bitcoin's prime has passed. Meanwhile, Matt Golliher, a co-founder at Orange Horizon Wealth, a Bitcoin-focused wealth management firm, explained that over time, commodity prices typically align with production costs. He noted, "As prices rise, production tends to increase, which can inflate supply and drive prices back down, unless the asset has a fixed supply like Bitcoin."
The debate over whether Bitcoin or precious metals represent a superior long-term store of value persists. This conversation is reignited by the recent historic price surges of gold and silver, juxtaposed with Bitcoin's stalled performance and the US dollar's decline. Gold reached a record high of approximately $4,533 per ounce in 2025, while silver also hit a new peak near $80 per ounce.
Amidst these developments, the US dollar faces its steepest decline in a decade, with a nearly 10% drop reported in the US Dollar Index (DXY) for 2025. The DXY measures the dollar's strength against a basket of major currencies, including the euro, yen, and pound. Economist Arthur Hayes suggests that the dollar's depreciation and the Federal Reserve's inflationary policies could bolster the prices of scarce assets such as gold, silver, and Bitcoin.
The ongoing discussion underscores the differing perspectives on asset performance and the evolving economic landscape, highlighting the complexities of choosing a long-term store of value.