If Bitcoin were a physical currency.

[SquirrelJulietGarden]

Remember, Bitcoin was created to solve the financial problem and provide opportunity not only to poor people but also to entrepreneurs and every country that recognizes the concept of Bitcoin and why it was created.

Bitcoin was not created to solve financial problems. Solving those problems is task for governments, policy makers, politicians, congressmen and women.

Bitcoin is a transaction mean that is centralized, censorship-resistant, borderless and unbanked people can access Bitcoin easily. But Bitcoin is not here to solve poor, poverty or many chronic issues for the whole nation or world. It gives people one more option, another open door, freedom to make their choice.

[Despairo]

It's nothing different with gold, gold is scarce and it was decentralized before not many people hold it. Now most of golds are hold by whales and institutions, they can easily manipulate the price. It also increase the possibility of scam because someone will try to create replication and since Bitcoin is a physical currency, there's no privacy anymore.

It's a failed project IMO, but since Bitcoin is a digital currency, the project become successful.

[EL MOHA]

If Bitcoin were a physical currency, its value would not have gone this far, and just the way people do fake currencies and gold, there will be fake Bitcoins, which is not proper, and moreover, if it were a physical currency, the government would be in control of its circulation and also its value.

This is part of the major challenges associated with physical currency and one of the reason why it’s devaluation happens. A physical currency is always expensive to print, expensive to maintain and then needs a central authority or mint to print it. If bitcoin was a physical currency the advantage of it not been manipulative wouldn’t be there because it would just be printed more to cause large circulation of it and causes it to devalue.

Other things like store of value and limited supply wouldn’t be also there. Another biggest issue is cross boarder transactions that can be done swiftly without intermediaries will not be possible with a physic currency of it

[traderethereum]

Who would control bitcoin if bitcoin was a physical currency? If it is controlled by one country, they will think that they are superior to other countries.
There is no difference between bitcoin and other local currencies and the price will not be like now.
Fortunately, bitcoin is a digital asset so many people can buy it in different amounts.
And fortunately, no one can control bitcoin so bitcoin can stand alone.

[KingsDen]

I'm new here and don't know much about bitcointalk forums. But I thought about Bitcoin for a while. At one point I wondered what it would be like if Bitcoin was a physical currency instead of a digital currency. It would not have gained so much popularity, and its price would not have increased so much. If it were a physical currency, it would be very difficult to buy, how would you buy? And had to go to different stores to sell or buy. How difficult it would have been then. Are you thinking about this?

I wanted to dismiss this imagination as nonsense as many others have already done here in the thread but on a second thought I decided to refine the idea. If bitcoin was to be a physical currency, it won't have a Blockchain connection, which will make the whole essence and relevance of bitcoin unattainable.
But we can imagine that bitcoin remains a digital currency, runs on the Blockchain and at the same time have a physical representation in terms of fiat. It is not actually making alot of sense but I am trying to roll the lane of Op's imagination.
So, if bitcoin being a digital coin, has a physical representation and people can handle and feel it, I instead think that it will encourage adoption. Why some people haven't adopted bitcoin yet could be that they cannot see it or hold it in their physical wallet to buy groceries with.

[so98nn]

I think Bitcoin grew to the current extent just because of the excellence of its technology. I am not sure if it would have been physical then it would have been just something old by now. Bitcoin is special because it is digital, maintains its data integrity, and is irreversible. Do we have such properties in the physical coin? They tend to wear and tear over a period of time, they can mint duplicates of it, and they can also get lost in the process of transacting. If physical appearance had something then in day today's activity we would have seen gold as a precious coin but it lost its transacting value "on a daily basis" since it's getting costlier to carry and transact small amounts. It would also become highly life-threatening if someone just sees and senses you are carrying a kilo bar in your car.

Bitcoin is digital, you don't have to carry the burden of it, and with an internet connection, it can be transacted anywhere in the world. It secure and anonymous that is not achievable with the physical presence of any sort of currency.

[boyptc]

I'm new here and don't know much about bitcointalk forums. But I thought about Bitcoin for a while. At one point I wondered what it would be like if Bitcoin was a physical currency instead of a digital currency. It would not have gained so much popularity, and its price would not have increased so much. If it were a physical currency, it would be very difficult to buy, how would you buy? And had to go to different stores to sell or buy. How difficult it would have been then. Are you thinking about this?

We will never know but we've got some physical coins that has embedded with Bitcoin on it.

Maybe what we can compare it with are those typical investments and assets that we've got like the precious metals that are tangible as well and has got a good value, a store of value like gold.

It won't be different and difficult as long as there's a community and actual value that it projects.

[Gallar]

I'm new here and don't know much about bitcointalk forums. But I thought about Bitcoin for a while. At one point I wondered what it would be like if Bitcoin was a physical currency instead of a digital currency. It would not have gained so much popularity, and its price would not have increased so much. If it were a physical currency, it would be very difficult to buy, how would you buy? And had to go to different stores to sell or buy. How difficult it would have been then. Are you thinking about this?

I think if bitcoin was created and had a physical form it is likely that bitcoin would not be as popular as it is now. Because of course its use will be slightly different from Bitcoin which is digital. Apart from that, spreading it will definitely be more difficult, because if Bitcoin has a physical form, it is certain that if someone wants to own it (buy it), they will definitely have to look for a shop or market that sells Bitcoin. But the problem is that bitcoin means have to have branch stores all over the world to make it easier for everyone to buy bitcoin. Meanwhile, if it means that in each shop, it means someone has to look after it, and also the shop building means someone has to build it. In this way, it is possible that Satoshi cannot be completely anonymous, because after all he is the one who will definitely manage everything, including the shop and also the workers in the shop.

Apart from this, if bitcoin had a physical form, I am sure it would be easier to manipulate or bitcoin would be vulnerable to being turned into a realm of fraud. Because there could be a handful of people who create fake bitcoins and sell them at the same price as bitcoins. Then what is even worse, bitcoin will definitely become centralized and not decentralized. Because that way, it is certain that every bitcoin coin that is printed must have a center and even though the number is limited like now, bitcoin is still seen as having a center.

So in essence, if bitcoin is made in physical form, there will be values lost from bitcoin. Like the decentralized system will disappear. The blockchain system will also disappear. And anonymity will also be lost.

[Sim_card]

There is physical bitcoin, on the physical bitcoin you will see the public key and the private key on the physical token. If you look at the back of the physical bitcoin, that is where the private key is and it is well secured and covered with a holographic sticker which makes it hard for anyone to see. For you to know if the private key has been tampered, there will be a noticeable mark that will appear on the private key to show that the sticker has been peeled.

https://coinmarketcap.com/academy/glossary/physical-bitcoins

[SquirrelJulietGarden]

It's nothing different with gold, gold is scarce and it was decentralized before not many people hold it. Now most of golds are hold by whales and institutions, they can easily manipulate the price. It also increase the possibility of scam because someone will try to create replication and since Bitcoin is a physical currency, there's no privacy anymore.

Gold is decentralized, a first time I see someone raises this point up for discussion. Everything can be manipulated and it is a long history of human civilization. They can manipulate goods like rice, sugar, etc. and I don't see manipulations only limited to Bitcoin, gold or oil.

With digitalized for trading gold, manipulations are more quickly executed, done and shown its impacts on market price. It is very common, not like something only special to only Bitcoin, gold or oil. We can see it in stocks, real estates and many others.

I think Bitcoin grew to the current extent just because of the excellence of its technology. I am not sure if it would have been physical then it would have been just something old by now. Bitcoin is special because it is digital, maintains its data integrity, and is irreversible.

Technology is important for Bitcoin success because with blockchain, Bitcoin has many advantages. Public, transparent, traceable, portable with any small item like paper piece, USB, small disk, on mobile devices, laptop. The convenience is unique and is so attractive for people who want to explore something new, unique but most attractive thing from Bitcoin is its security, privacy and anonymity for Bitcoin users.

Gold can not, fiat currency can not, cash can not, CBDCs can not.

[Assface16678]

If bitcoin doesn't exist or is a physical currency, then nothing; if bitcoin is just a normal currency, then it is like what we use now; we don't have any forums like this or anything related to bitcoin. And I think nothing will change if bitcoin is just a normal currency because it is physical. But thankfully, bitcoin is digital. Why? Because from a project to nothing, now the most famous digital currency has created a lot of opportunities to earn. It also marked the beginning of the crypto currency era, with more currencies emerging to provide more options for investors and holders. And now bitcoin is becoming the future currency and will eventually change a lot of things in terms of finances. I'm glad I spend time knowing and studying bitcoin as it gives me opportunity to earn and do the things I like, buy the things I want.

[HONDACD125]

I'm new here and don't know much about bitcointalk forums. But I thought about Bitcoin for a while. At one point I wondered what it would be like if Bitcoin was a physical currency instead of a digital currency. It would not have gained so much popularity, and its price would not have increased so much. If it were a physical currency, it would be very difficult to buy, how would you buy? And had to go to different stores to sell or buy. How difficult it would have been then. Are you thinking about this?

One thing is very common that when new people come to any forum, they have such weired questions in their minds.We have never thought till now what would happen if Bitcoin was a physical currency or what would happen if the dollar was a digital currency.That such a question does not increase their knowledge and experience.I think this question will not provide any useful information for you.If Bitcoin was a physical currency, it would also be one of the countless physical currencies in the world.

There are numerous physical currencies in the world, and one does not face any difficulties in taking these physical currencies. Whenever one wants to take a currency, he easily buys it from the desired place. The simple answer is, if Bitcoin were a physical currency, what would be the difficulties in buying it? If you want to buy any physical currency today, like dollars or pounds or any local currency, what difficulties do you face?

[Texac]

Are you thinking about this?

Bitcoin is a decentralized currency and you simply think, if it was in physical form, would it still be decentralized?  or will it be controlled by the government and create billions of bitcoins if they like it?  you are newbie and I think you need more knowledge about bitcoin and when you gain knowledge your questions will mostly be answered.  forums are a good place to start, but you can also search YouTube for bitcoin videos that can help you visualize and grasp the basics more effectively.

[kro55]

Remember, Bitcoin was created to solve the financial problem and provide opportunity not only to poor people but also to entrepreneurs and every country that recognizes the concept of Bitcoin and why it was created.

Bitcoin was not created to solve financial problems. Solving those problems is task for governments, policy makers, politicians, congressmen and women.

Bitcoin is a transaction mean that is centralized, censorship-resistant, borderless and unbanked people can access Bitcoin easily. But Bitcoin is not here to solve poor, poverty or many chronic issues for the whole nation or world. It gives people one more option, another open door, freedom to make their choice.

Why can women solve financial problems? I'm a bit curious. 
To say that the mission of bitcoin was created to solve financial problems for the country and the world is not entirely true. That is not bitcoin's mission and bitcoin is not capable of doing it. But if an individual or an organization uses bitcoin to improve their finances, it is completely possible and many people have done it. So it can also be said that bitcoin can solve some financial problems for some people or organizations if they know how to use it properly.

[romero121]

Bitcoin being a physical currency could've spread around the world in large scale than the present number. Just because bitcoin is decentralised and doesn't have the physical state many people doesn't believe its existence. It is really hard to make people understand about bitcoin as it holds the virtual presence. The usage and acceptance of bitcoin could've been high. Bitcoin being an innovation as a transaction medium this physical presence of the bitcoin could've never been thought by the developers. Due to the multipurpose usage bitcoin gained the access as a currency, if not this discussion couldn't have existed.

[Egii Nna]

I'm new here and don't know much about bitcointalk forums. But I thought about Bitcoin for a while. At one point I wondered what it would be like if Bitcoin was a physical currency instead of a digital currency. It would not have gained so much popularity, and its price would not have increased so much. If it were a physical currency, it would be very difficult to buy, how would you buy? And had to go to different stores to sell or buy. How difficult it would have been then. Are you thinking about this?

I think you are not just new to bitcointalk but also new to bitcoin itself, because someone who has known bitcoin for a long time will never bring up such an idea because the main function of bitcoin cannot be done if it were a physical currency. In short, thinking or imagining bitcoin as a physical currency is not a good idea at all because, knowing or hearing about bitcoin, the first thing that you learn is that bitcoin is a global currency that has been created to perform peer-to-peer transactions, investments, and also the purchase of things online within a short period of time. So you will never think of bitcoin as a physical currency because it will be very hard and it will be just the same as fiat currency, and nothing will be like blockchain; it will just be like the traditional financial banks. So even if you want to create a forum for arguments, you should know what you are saying, not just bring up any topic.

[Woodie]

I'm new here and don't know much about bitcointalk forums.

Firstly, welcome to the btcointalk forum hope you will have an exciting jouney.

But I thought about Bitcoin for a while. At one point I wondered what it would be like if Bitcoin was a physical currency instead of a digital currency. It would not have gained so much popularity, and its price would not have increased so much. If it were a physical currency, it would be very difficult to buy, how would you buy? And had to go to different stores to sell or buy. How difficult it would have been then. Are you thinking about this?

If bitcoin was a physical currency it's most likely it would have been shut down by now because it would have been easy to trace and get the money printing machines destroyed or surrendered to whichever state they operated in considering it's competing with an official currency of a country. I am pretty sure Satoshi thought about this and found the digital space to be no man's land and the rest is history..

And btw had bitcoin been in its physical form it would have been unpopular as authorities would find it much easier to convict users as evidence would have been there to be used for the conviction, otherwise happy how it turned out to be digital.

[Z_MBFM]

I'm new here and don't know much about bitcointalk forums. But I thought about Bitcoin for a while. At one point I wondered what it would be like if Bitcoin was a physical currency instead of a digital currency. It would not have gained so much popularity, and its price would not have increased so much. If it were a physical currency, it would be very difficult to buy, how would you buy? And had to go to different stores to sell or buy. How difficult it would have been then. Are you thinking about this?

If Bitcoin was a physical coin it would never be so valuable.  Because no substance as heavy as a coin can be so valuable. Bitcoin is a digital currency and it has a supply limitation which is why it is invisible but its price is huge and everyone thinks it is a big deal. You can create physical bitcoins that will only work as a collective.  Bitcoin is a virtual currency and will remain so for life but its value will only increase day by day. The reason is that even though there is a limit to its supply, the number of investors is increasing day by day

[Ucy]

I'm new here and don't know much about bitcointalk forums. But I thought about Bitcoin for a while. At one point I wondered what it would be like if Bitcoin was a physical currency instead of a digital currency. It would not have gained so much popularity, and its price would not have increased so much. If it were a physical currency, it would be very difficult to buy, how would you buy? And had to go to different stores to sell or buy. How difficult it would have been then. Are you thinking about this?

Bitcoin is a non-restrictive versatile currency that can exist both in physical and virtual/digital forms as long as its feature allows for this, and it can even be better & more secure than physical fiat currencies which also have electronic/digital Ledger like Bitcoin but in centralized form.
All you need to do to turn Bitcoin into physical currency and make it really easy to access is to print different denominations on physical materials like papers, with features that are hard to counterfeit imprinted on the materials,and then put them in circulation, probably in remote/isolated and autonomous areas without access to internet. When they need to, they can always exchange them electronically with bitcoiners in other places with internet for goods and services. This, combined with virtual uses, can add more value to Bitcoin and increase its price since more people without internet are creating more demand by using it in physical form.

[hypothetical]

I'm new here and don't know much about bitcointalk forums. But I thought about Bitcoin for a while. At one point I wondered what it would be like if Bitcoin was a physical currency instead of a digital currency. It would not have gained so much popularity, and its price would not have increased so much. If it were a physical currency, it would be very difficult to buy, how would you buy? And had to go to different stores to sell or buy. How difficult it would have been then. Are you thinking about this?

If Bitcoin was a physical currency it would not be worth as much nor would it be in demand.Physical currency but available to everyone If Bitcoin was a physical currency it would still be available to everyone.Now you guess what the physical currency you have is worth to you.If Bitcoin were a physical currency like that, it would be worth that much to you.We all know that Bitcoin is a digital currency that has no fixed market value.Even this currency can only be traded online which has no physical counterpart.Currently Bitcoin is in demand all over the world and its usage is increasing day by day.