Bitcoin is the premier cryptocurrency. It is known worldwide and synonymous with virtual currency despite the fact that there are thousands of alternatives available.

It has become the premier crypto for a variety of reasons. It is known for being the very first to have ever been created, having been launched by someone using the pseudonym Satoshi Nakamoto, but not much else is known about this said person. However, it is perhaps better known due to its value and price, as well as the volatility that has been experienced over the last 15 years since its introduction.

Indeed, the coin’s value is always an interesting aspect, with many often searching for it. Those in Australia who find themselves curious about how much it is worth can simply enter a search term like Bitcoin price AUD, and they will be able to find resources that give them an overview of its price. They can also be informed of past data and potentially find useful information that may give them an educated guess about its value in the future. It is the same for everyone, wherever they are in the world, as they can put the currency that they use where they live or get paid in and convert it to find its value in fiat terms with a simple search.

But what is it that determines its price? How does one Bitcoin become worth so much when it is exchanged into traditional fiat currencies?

The value of Bitcoin is set to various parameters

The most simplistic way of explaining Bitcoin and its value is to consider its decentralized nature. As it is a digital currency that is not tied to a single entity like traditional fiat currency, there is nothing to regulate the price that is set. While this can sound chaotic, there are ways in which the value can be regulated (to some extent, given that the coin is not regulated at any level).

Supply & Demand

The supply and demand of Bitcoin can have a significant impact on its value. Among one of the most basic economic principles, cryptocurrency works exactly in the same way as businesses that supply goods and services do.

A higher price can be demanded if there is a greater demand for Bitcoin. Throw in the fact that it is a scarce commodity due to it being capped in number (21 million), and it is believed around 19.5 million bitcoins are in circulation, there are not many left to mine. This can often lead to panic in the market, as many want to obtain as much as they can while some remain, thus driving up the price.

However, while there may be demand, the price that people are willing to pay can also impact its cost. If Bitcoin becomes too expensive, it can lead to buyers being put off on investing in it. The price can be influenced by various factors that can alter the demand for it, with market confidence and adoption often being the biggest variables that help set the price, as well as what the media puts out.

Production costs

Production costs can have an impact on the value of Bitcoin. There are a lot of costs that can go into mining Bitcoin, with electricity among them. These are not cheap for the miners, as they will require expensive technology that uses a lot of electrical power to break into the hash, solve the key, and mine the coin.

Although miners cannot set the value directly, they can have an influential impact on it. Their efforts are required, and their appreciation has to come at a cost due to the coin’s scarcity, especially as we approach the final few million.

Competition, Regulation & Usability

Like supply & demand, competition, regulations, and usability can impact Bitcoin price. As mentioned, thousands of cryptocurrencies are available, with many offering the same benefits that can be obtained. As more people become aware and educated in this sphere, then the potential value of Bitcoin may decrease.

Regulations may begin to come in, which can alter the crypto price. Governments have banned virtual currency in some countries, while others may look to regulate them in other ways. Usability can also become a variable in terms of its price, as the more options that decide to accept it, the more it can help Bitcoin’s popularity grow, thus impacting its value positively. On the flip side, it could have a wavering effect if they decide not to accept it.

“Disclaimer: This information is of a general nature only and should not be regarded as specific to any particular situation. This should not be taken as financial advice to buy, trade, or sell cryptocurrency or use any specific exchange. This is not intended for use as investment, financial or legal advice as each individual’s need will vary.

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