Bitcoin is not legally enforceable and is not created by any central bank or government. Bitcoin's worth is based on exclusivity and the notion that it is a medium of exchange, an anonymous form of payment, or a hedge against inflation, similar to physical gold. Bitcoin gained supporters who were intrigued by the supposed lack of government control and creativity. Traders perceived it as a viable alternative to traditional investments like equities, bonds, and cash, and the resulting trading momentum resulted in a rising, albeit extremely unpredictable, price. Overstock, AT&T, and Twitch are just a few of the big names that take Bitcoin. You might also find that some tiny local businesses or websites accept Bitcoin, but you'll have to look around. All of this drew media coverage, which increased public knowledge and, eventually, acceptance. While bitcoins are unusual, they can indeed be stored in physical wallets and used without the use of a computer; this carries the same hazards as any monetary currencies: They could be misplaced, stolen, or accidentally destroyed.