Skip main navigation

New lower prices! Get up to 50% off 1000s of courses. 

Explore courses

The Rise of Currencies, Fiat and Digital

Definitions of fiat money, commodity money, digital fiat currency, and virtual currency
Physical. Commodity money has intrinsic value (e.g. gold). Fiat money has no intrisic value, value is conferred by government (e.g. dollar). Digital. Virtual currency is a digital representation of value and value is derived from its native blockchain.
Pick one of these three ways to learn more about how cryptocurrencies fit in to the larger realm of currency:

Discussion: Which article did you read and what was something you found particularly interesting? How well does cryptocurrency fit into your idea of money? What part in history do you think cryptocurrencies will play in the long term?

This article is from the free online

Cryptocurrency: Beyond Bitcoin Teach-Out

Created by
FutureLearn - Learning For Life

Reach your personal and professional goals

Unlock access to hundreds of expert online courses and degrees from top universities and educators to gain accredited qualifications and professional CV-building certificates.

Join over 18 million learners to launch, switch or build upon your career, all at your own pace, across a wide range of topic areas.

Start Learning now