Samson Mow Says Bitcoin Is Real Money as Ethereum Faces Fresh Scrutiny

• Samson Mow argues Bitcoin functions as money while Ethereum does not
• Ethereum Foundation’s recent ETH sale adds to debate on usage
• Discussion highlights broader divide in crypto monetary philosophy

A renewed debate over the role of cryptocurrencies as money has emerged after comments from Samson Mow, who questioned Ethereum’s viability as a monetary asset.

Mow, chief executive of JAN3, argued that Bitcoin demonstrates stronger real world monetary characteristics compared to Ethereum, citing behavior within each ecosystem.

Mow’s critique centers on how participants interact with their respective assets. He argues that individuals working within the Ethereum ecosystem are less inclined to hold or accept ETH as payment, often preferring fiat or stablecoins.

This observation comes shortly after the Ethereum Foundation sold approximately 5,000 ETH, a move that has drawn attention from market observers. Critics interpret such transactions as evidence that large holders treat ETH primarily as a tradable asset rather than a long term monetary unit.

In contrast, Mow points to Bitcoin’s ecosystem, where contributors are more willing to accept compensation in BTC. He suggests this reflects stronger confidence in Bitcoin’s role as both a store of value and medium of exchange.

Beyond asset preference, Mow also reiterated concerns about centralized custody. He warned against holding digital assets on exchanges, emphasizing the importance of self custody to mitigate counterparty risk.

The broader market context shows Bitcoin trading near $69,000, maintaining relative stability amid macroeconomic uncertainty. Meanwhile, Ethereum has traded above $2,000, supported by network activity and institutional interest, including staking-based investment products.

Mow’s comments highlight a persistent divide in how major cryptocurrencies are perceived. While Bitcoin is often positioned as a monetary asset, Ethereum’s value proposition remains tied to its broader ecosystem and utility.

As adoption evolves, the distinction between store-of value narratives and utility driven demand is likely to remain a central theme in crypto markets.