US Dollar Loses 97% of Value Since 1913: Is BTC the Best Exit?

Since the Federal Reserve was created in 1913, the US dollar has lost roughly 97% of its purchasing power. Today, a single dollar only buys what three cents could have bought back then. This steady decline happened through major wars and economic shifts, and it picked up speed after 1971 when the dollar was no longer tied to gold.

Bitcoin was designed as an alternative to this system because it has a strict limit of 21 million coins. While the dollar loses its value slowly over time, Bitcoin has seen massive growth since it launched in 2009. Even though it currently trades around $79,852, which is down from its 2025 high of $126,080, its price has risen by more than 59,000% since its early days.

The arrival of spot Bitcoin ETFs in 2024 changed how the market works. These products have brought in over $100 billion in total assets, allowing pension funds and large investors to hold Bitcoin without the hassle of managing private keys. This institutional support shows that big money is taking the asset seriously as a long term store of value.

Bitcoin is still volatile and faces many regulatory questions. It is not used for most global trade or daily wages yet, but it acts as an escape for savers who are worried about inflation. While cash is predictable, Bitcoin has historically outperformed both cash and gold over full market cycles.