In a recent televised discussion, economist Peter Schiff emphasized his favorable stance toward gold-backed cryptocurrencies as a safer financial tool for citizens facing economic turmoil, such as the current crisis in Iran. Specifically, Schiff contrasted the use of precious metal-backed digital assets with Bitcoin (CRYPTO: BTC), advocating for the former under conditions of currency instability and internet censorship.
Speaking on the Randi Hipper show, Schiff outlined his rationale for opting for a cryptocurrency tied to tangible assets rather than Bitcoin, which he described as "backed by nothing." He suggested that during situations like Iran's ongoing currency crisis and restricted internet access, he would prefer to conduct anonymous transactions using an app based on tokenized gold rather than Bitcoin.
Schiff elaborated that among cryptocurrency options, stablecoins present a pragmatic choice due to their steady valuation. According to him, numerous stablecoins exist that users can access, but the most advantageous would be those representing a digital form of gold. He referred to these as "tokenized gold," underscoring their inherent value stemming from the underlying precious metal. This perspective draws attention to the perceived weaknesses of Bitcoin in a crisis scenario and the appeal of assets with intrinsic worth.
The context for Schiff's recommendations is the dramatic depreciation of the Iranian Rial against the US dollar, which has prompted many Iranians to seek refuge in cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, as a potential hedge against inflation. However, internet shutdowns imposed by authorities introduce significant obstacles to digital transactions, compelling users to explore alternative channels such as Bitchat, a decentralized messaging application created by Jack Dorsey’s Block Inc. and replicated in several clones, which reportedly facilitate Bitcoin transactions via Bluetooth, circumventing internet restrictions.
While Bitcoin is often referred to as "digital gold," recent market performance in 2025 challenges that narrative. Precious metals-backed cryptocurrencies have demonstrated greater resilience and appreciation compared to Bitcoin over the past year. Notably, Tether Gold (CRYPTO: XAUT) and PAX Gold (CRYPTO: PAXG) have each increased more than 70% in value, whereas Bitcoin has experienced a decline of approximately 4% during the same period. This contrast reinforces Schiff's argument favoring gold-backed tokens as dependable assets in times of economic uncertainty.
To provide specific figures, Bitcoin was recorded at a price of $95,430.78 with a year-to-date loss of 4.17%, while Tether Gold and PAX Gold stood at $4,591 and $4,608.10 respectively, both achieving gains exceeding 70% in the past year. These statistics highlight the performance disparity between Bitcoin and precious metal-pegged cryptocurrencies as observed in the current market.
Key Points:
- Peter Schiff recommends gold-backed cryptocurrencies over Bitcoin for anonymous transactions in crisis environments like Iran.
- Stablecoins, especially those tokenized by precious metals, are considered by Schiff to be superior to cryptocurrencies without physical backing.
- The Iranian Rial’s significant decline against the dollar has increased local interest in cryptocurrencies, despite infrastructural challenges such as internet blackouts.
- Precious-metal-backed cryptocurrencies have recently outperformed Bitcoin, with Tether Gold and PAX Gold posting gains above 70%, while Bitcoin's value fell by about 4% over the past year.
Risks and Uncertainties:
- Internet outages in Iran limit the accessibility and functionality of cryptocurrency transactions, potentially complicating adoption.
- Bitcoin's volatile nature and lack of intrinsic asset backing raise concerns about its reliability during economic crises.
- The practical use and liquidity of gold-backed stablecoins in sanctioned or restricted economies remain subject to technological and regulatory challenges.
- The effectiveness of decentralized communication apps like Bitchat to facilitate crypto transactions in restricted environments is limited by adoption rates and technical constraints.
Disclosure: This article is based entirely on publicly stated information and does not constitute investment advice. Readers should consider multiple sources and consult professionals before making financial decisions.