The US Dollar Has Lost 97% of Its Value Since 1913: Is Bitcoin the Way Out?

Since the Federal Reserve’s founding in 1913 the US dollar’s purchasing power has declined roughly 97%, driven by long-term inflation and monetary expansion. The article positions Bitcoin—with its capped 21 million supply and decentralized issuance—as a potential hedge against fiat debasement and an alternative store of value. However, Bitcoin’s high volatility, regulatory uncertainty, and limited mainstream adoption constrain its ability to fully replace the dollar in the near term. The key implication is that continued fiat erosion could boost long-term demand and price support for Bitcoin, but policy and market risks mean it is more likely to complement rather than immediately supplant the dollar.