Bitcoin (BTC) and XRP, two giants in the cryptocurrency space, have delivered exceptional returns to early investors.
A recent analysis by Mr. M Podcast compares what $100 invested in Bitcoin at its inception would yield versus the same amount invested in XRP at its launch. Let’s dive into the numbers and see how these two assets stack up.
Bitcoin Returns
Bitcoin, the world’s first cryptocurrency, launched in January 2009. At that time, its price was around $0.0008 per BTC, though exact figures remain debated due to the lack of exchanges.
Early adopters had the unique opportunity to acquire BTC for fractions of a cent.
Key Highlights:
- Initial Investment: $100 in January 2009.
- BTC Acquired: ~125,045.7 BTC.
- Current Price: $98,284 per BTC (January 2025).
- Investment Value: $12.29 billion.
This translates to an astronomical 12,289,999,900% return over 16 years, underscoring Bitcoin’s dominance as a store of value.
XRP Returns
XRP, created by Ripple Labs, launched in June 2012 as part of the XRP Ledger. Its price at launch was approximately $0.005. Early investors who recognized its potential saw substantial gains over the years.
Key Highlights:
- Initial Investment: $100 in June 2012.
- XRP Acquired: ~20,000 XRP.
- Current Price: $2.39 per XRP (January 2025).
- Investment Value: $47,800.
This results in a lifetime return of 47,700%, an impressive performance but dwarfed by Bitcoin’s explosive gains.
Comparative Analysis
While Bitcoin outperformed XRP over its lifetime, the story changes when looking at shorter timeframes.
| Metric | Bitcoin | XRP |
|---|---|---|
| Lifetime Return | 12,289,999,900% | 47,700% |
| Gain Since 2017 | 10,406% | 35,298% |
| 2024 Performance | 141% | 290% |
From early 2017, XRP’s greater volatility allowed it to outpace Bitcoin in percentage gains. For instance, in 2024 alone, XRP surged 290%, compared to Bitcoin’s 141% increase.
Insights from Real-World Transactions
Bitcoin’s valuation began gaining traction after the famous 10,000 BTC pizza purchase in May 2010, where two pizzas cost $8, valuing BTC at $0.0008. XRP’s pricing at launch ($0.005) is better documented, providing a clear baseline for returns.
Bitcoin’s returns since its inception remain unparalleled, with a $100 investment growing to over $12 billion. XRP, while not as explosive, still delivered significant gains, especially in recent years.
The comparison underscores Bitcoin’s position as the original high-reward crypto asset while highlighting XRP’s potential for outperforming in shorter bullish cycles.
