Bitcoin Gold: Everything to Know

By  Beluga Research October 10, 2023

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Summary

  • Bitcoin Gold (BTG) is a cryptocurrency that emerged as a result of a fork from the Bitcoin blockchain, aiming to prioritize decentralized mining
  • It uses the "Equihash" mining algorithm, which allows regular GPUs to participate in mining and prevents the concentration of mining power
  • Advantages of Bitcoin Gold include the implementation of replay protection and retention of key qualities of Bitcoin
  • Disadvantages of Bitcoin Gold include challenges in gaining market acceptance and addressing potential regulatory issues

Overview

Bitcoin gold (BTG) is a cryptocurrency that emerged as a result of a fork from the Bitcoin blockchain, aiming to prioritize decentralized mining. The primary goal of Bitcoin Gold is to democratize mining. Initially, mining could be done with central processing units (CPUs) and graphics processing units (GPUs), but specialized hardware called "application-specific integrated circuits" (ASICs) centralized mining. Bitcoin Gold levels the playing field by making mining accessible to more people.

A Brief History

Bitcoin Gold originated from the Bitcoin community through a hard fork on October 24, 2017. Concerned about centralized mining, a group of enthusiasts and developers initiated the fork. Bitcoin Gold shares the same genesis block as Bitcoin and bitcoin holders received an equal amount of bitcoin gold.

Bitcoin Gold: Everything to Know

  • Mining Algorithm - Bitcoin Gold introduced "Equihash," a mining algorithm resistant to ASICs. It favors GPU mining and prevents mining power concentration.
  • Replay Protection - Bitcoin Gold implemented strong replay protection to secure user funds during and after the fork. Transactions on the Bitcoin Gold network are separate from Bitcoin.
  • Wallets and Exchanges - There are separate wallets for Bitcoin Gold and it is supported by various exchanges. Users have the ability to choose from desktop, mobile and web-based wallets. Meanwhile, exchanges enable buying, selling and trading bitcoin gold.
  • Supply and Distribution - Bitcoin Gold has a total supply of twenty-one million coins, like Bitcoin. Further, sixteen and a half million coins were pre-mined and allocated to the team, development fund and contributors. The remaining coins are mined through Equihash, ensuring fair distribution and supporting network development.

Getting Started

To use Bitcoin Gold, users must first obtain a digital wallet to securely store the coins. There are different types of wallets available, such as desktop wallets, online wallets and hardware wallets. Each type has unique advantages and security considerations, so when choosing a wallet, users should research and select a reputable provider that suits individual needs.

Once a user has a digital wallet, they can acquire Bitcoin Gold through various methods. One common way is to buy it from cryptocurrency exchanges that support bitcoin gold trading. These exchanges allow users to purchase bitcoin gold using other cryptocurrencies or fiat currencies like the U.S. dollar or euro. It is crucial to choose a reliable and trusted exchange with a good industry reputation.

Another method to acquire bitcoin gold is through mining. Mining involves using computational power to solve complex mathematical problems, securing the network and validating transactions. However, it is important to note that Bitcoin Gold uses a different mining algorithm, Equihash, which resists ASICs mining hardware. This was done to promote a more decentralized mining ecosystem.

Unique Aspects

One unique aspect of Bitcoin Gold is the mining algorithm, Equihash. Unlike Bitcoin's "SHA-256" algorithm, Equihash is memory-oriented, requiring significant memory for mining calculations. This choice levels the playing field, enabling individuals with consumer-grade hardware to participate in mining instead of being overshadowed by large mining farms with specialized ASICs.

Another notable feature of Bitcoin Gold is a commitment to decentralization. The project aims to distribute mining power more evenly among participants, reducing the influence of large mining companies. By using the Equihash algorithm and discouraging the use of ASICs, Bitcoin Gold seeks to foster a more inclusive and democratic mining environment.

Bitcoin Gold has also implemented a unique feature called "replay protection." This prevents transaction replay attacks, in which a transaction is valid on both the original Bitcoin blockchain and the Bitcoin Gold blockchain. With replay protection, Bitcoin Gold ensures that transactions are only valid on the Bitcoin Gold network, protecting users from potential double-spending issues.

Regarding transaction speed and scalability, Bitcoin Gold aims to provide a similar experience to Bitcoin. It has a block time of ten minutes and a maximum block size of 1MB, allowing for a reasonable number of transactions to be processed within each block. However, it is important to note that Bitcoin Gold has faced scalability criticism in the past, especially during high transaction volume periods.

Advantages

  • Decentralization - Bitcoin Gold uses the Equihash mining algorithm, which allows mining with regular GPUs instead of specialized ASIC hardware. This promotes a more distributed network wherein individuals can mine without expensive equipment.
  • Increased Accessibility - By enabling GPU mining, Bitcoin Gold allows people with standard computer hardware to participate in mining and potentially earn rewards. This inclusivity fosters a diverse mining community.
  • Enhanced Security - Bitcoin Gold implements "replay protection" to prevent transaction replays on both the Bitcoin and Bitcoin Gold networks. This protects user funds by ensuring that transactions on one network cannot be duplicated on the other.
  • Community-Driven Development - Bitcoin Gold is an open-source project that encourages contributions from developers worldwide. This approach fosters transparency, decentralization and adaptability to changes in the cryptocurrency landscape.
  • Familiarity and Compatibility - Bitcoin Gold retains key qualities and features of the original Bitcoin network, allowing it to leverage existing infrastructure and tools. This makes adoption and integration easier for businesses and individuals familiar with Bitcoin.

Disadvantages

  • Lower Network Hashrate - Bitcoin Gold's mining algorithm results in a lower network hashrate compared to Bitcoin. This makes the network more vulnerable to 51% attacks. However, efforts are underway to enhance security against such attacks.
  • Potential Centralization - While GPU mining promotes decentralization, there is a risk of centralization if large-scale miners concentrate a significant portion of the network's hash power. The Bitcoin Gold community actively encourages small-scale mining to mitigate this risk.
  • Market Acceptance - Being a relatively new cryptocurrency network, Bitcoin Gold faces challenges in gaining widespread acceptance and adoption. The cryptocurrency's success depends on factors like community support, technological advancements and market demand.
  • Potential Regulatory Challenges - Bitcoin Gold operates within varying regulatory environments, which can pose challenges to growth and adoption. Dialogue between industry participants, regulators and lawmakers can help address these challenges.
  • Perceived Reputation - BitcoinGgold's association with Bitcoin may create confusion among newcomers. Therefore, clear communication and education efforts are crucial to ensure an accurate understanding of Bitcoin Gold as a distinct cryptocurrency.