Key Takeaways:
- Tether Gold (XAUt) democratizes access to gold by tokenizing physical gold on the blockchain.
- Each XAUt token represents one troy ounce (31.1035 grams) of London Good Delivery gold.
- Tradable on major exchanges like OKX, BitFinex, and Bitget.
- Gold reserves are securely stored in Swiss vaults, auditable via Tether’s transparency tools.
What Is Tether Gold (XAU₮)?
Tether Gold (XAU₮) is a gold-backed stablecoin offering 1:1 ownership of physical gold bars. By leveraging blockchain technology, XAUt eliminates traditional gold ownership challenges like:
- High storage costs
- Limited divisibility
- Geographical accessibility barriers
Why Was Tether Gold Created?
Historical Context
Gold has symbolized wealth for millennia, cited over 400 times in the Bible. Modern financial systems unbundled gold from currency, creating a need for decentralized, transparent gold ownership.
Blockchain Solution
Launched in January 2020 by Tether Operations Limited, XAUt combines gold’s stability with blockchain’s efficiency:
- Redeemable for physical gold (minimum 370 XAU₮).
- 24/7 trading on global exchanges.
XAUt vs. USDt: Key Differences
| Feature | XAUt | USDt |
|--------------|--------------------|--------------------|
| Backing | Physical gold | US Dollar |
| Use Case | Store of value | Transactions |
| Divisibility | 0.000001 troy oz | 1:1 USD peg |
Benefits of Tether Gold
- Transparency: Verify holdings via Tether’s Gold Allocation Lookup tool.
- Accessibility: Trade globally without logistical hassles.
- Low Fees: No custody fees—unlike traditional gold storage.
- Liquidity: Swap XAUt for USD or physical gold (Switzerland delivery).
Risks to Consider
- Market Volatility: Crypto-linked risks apply.
- Custodial Risks: Safeguard wallet keys diligently.
- Redemption Complexity: Physical delivery requires a 370 XAU₮ minimum.
👉 Trade XAUt on trusted platforms
How to Buy Tether Gold
Exchanges Listing XAUt:
- OKX
- BitFinex
- Bitget
- Gate.io
Step-by-Step Purchase Guide
- Sign up on an exchange (e.g., OKX).
- Deposit USDt or fiat.
- Trade for XAUt.
- Store in an ERC-20/TRC-20 compatible wallet.
FAQ
Q: Can I redeem XAUt for physical gold?
A: Yes, for deliveries in Switzerland (min. 370 XAU₮).
Q: Is Tether Gold audited?
A: Yes, reserves are published quarterly.
Q: What’s the smallest XAUt unit?
A: 0.000001 troy ounce.
Q: Which wallets support XAUt?
A: MetaMask (ERC-20), Trust Wallet (TRC-20).
Final Thoughts
Tether Gold bridges traditional gold investing with blockchain efficiency. While it offers unparalleled accessibility, users must navigate crypto-market risks. Always DYOR (Do Your Own Research) before investing.