http://www.cnbc.com/id/102301308Technologists, financiers and ideologues predicted that 2014 would be bitcoin's coming-out party, but the digital currency slipped more than 70 percent from the previous year's high. Still, some are claiming victory and predicting even more success for the future.
Bitcoin—a digital currency started in 2009—has consistently captured headlines since its meteoric rise from a few dollars to more than $1,150 in 2013, but experts say that the focus on its slide to the $300 range misses the point. Instead, they point to growing merchant adoption and consumer awareness as the year's high points.
As for the future, bitcoin-related business owners said they are looking forward to stabilization and legitimacy from impending government regulation.
"Regardless of the price, it was a huge year for bitcoin," said Sonny Singh, chief commercial officer at BitPay. "A year ago people didn't know if bitcoin was a fad, but today it's for sure that it's going to stay for a long time."
