The government of El Salvador remains highly optimistic about cryptocurrencies. More than that, the country’s authorities marked Bitcoin Day in style—by not only celebrating the digital gold but also purchasing $2.3 million worth of cryptocurrency at the current exchange rate.
Four years ago, on September 7, 2021, El Salvador became the first country in the world to officially recognize BTC as legal tender. To honor the fourth anniversary of this landmark event, the government purchased 21 BTC. As a result, El Salvador’s digital asset reserves grew to 6,313 BTC, with a total value estimated at $701.1 million.
According to analysts, the number of Bitcoins on El Salvador’s balance sheet has significantly increased over the past month. Yet, BTC is not the only asset the country is acquiring. Last week, for the first time since 1990, the Salvadoran central bank invested in gold, buying 13,999 ounces of the precious metal for $50 million. This sparked speculation that officials would stop investing in cryptocurrency and shift their focus to gold. However, this is unlikely. Nothing prevents them from buying both assets. Indeed, the government under Nayib Bukele quickly dismissed such assumptions.
Nonetheless, turbulence remains in the digital asset market. Recently, prominent investor and economist Peter Schiff mocked Bitcoin holders, who earned less in 2025 than gold investors. He pointed out that Bitcoin remains stagnant, with BTC’s price still volatile. However, for El Salvador, investments in cryptocurrency have brought substantial benefits. Since the government started purchasing the coin in September 2021, the country’s profit from BTC investments has reached 131%. During the same period, gold appreciated by 100%. Thus, purchases of the precious metal have proved less profitable than acquiring the first cryptocurrency.
