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CryptoMediumUpdated×3•Originally published 20 April 2026•Updated 22 April 2026•

1 min read

Bitcoin Ownership Surpasses Gold in US as Holders Reach 50 Million

Golden Bitcoin coins and wallets in front of the US Capitol building and American flag, with an upward trend graph.

Key Facts

150 million Americans now hold Bitcoin, surpassing the number of gold owners in the US.

Bitcoin has reached a historic milestone in the U.S. as holders hit 50 million, surpassing gold owners, while prices maintain record levels. New data from Xapo Bank reveals that average Bitcoin holdings per member rose 18.5% quarter-over-quarter during Q1 2026. This trend highlights a divergence in market behavior, as high-net-worth investors increased their positions despite a wave of panic selling by retail investors during the same period. Institutional entities and spot ETFs now control 12% of the total supply, marking a significant shift toward professional ownership. Analysts suggest that this continued accumulation by sophisticated investors and institutional backing are cementing Bitcoin's role as a strategic 'Digital Gold' asset.

about 1 month ago

Version History

1 additional source confirmed this story

Version 3about 1 month ago

What changed: Updated the story with Xapo Bank data showing an 18.5% increase in holdings among high-net-worth members during Q1 2026, contrasting with retail panic selling.

Version 2about 1 month ago

What changed: Updated the story to include the $76,000 price milestone, whale accumulation of 45,000 BTC, and strategic endorsements from U.S. financial and military officials.

Version 1about 1 month ago

What changed: The story was updated with new data showing that institutions and ETFs now control 12% of Bitcoin supply, signaling a structural shift toward institutional dominance.