What is PAX Gold?

PAX Gold (PAXG) is a unique form of cryptocurrency that is backed by gold. Launched in September 2019 by the creators of Paxos Standard (PAX), PAXG operates as an ERC-20 token on the Ethereum blockchain. The primary objective of PAXG is to make gold more tradable, overcoming the challenges of the physical commodity, such as its lack of divisibility and transport flexibility. PAXG aims to allow users to acquire indefinitely small amounts of gold through the cryptocurrency, virtually eliminating minimum acquisition limits for the commodity. Each PAXG token is backed by a fraction of a London Good Delivery gold bar, stored in approved gold vaults.

How does PAX Gold work?

PAX Gold operates on the Ethereum blockchain and is secured by the proof-of-work (PoW) model. Each PAXG token corresponds to an ounce of gold in storage, covered by the PAX Gold protocol. This means the number of PAXG tokens in circulation fluctuates frequently, mirroring the available gold supply for backing. While PAXG is primarily tied to Ethereum, it can also be launched on other blockchains. The token's unique structure combines the security and liquidity of blockchain-based cryptocurrency with the established value of gold as a physical commodity, providing a new avenue for users.

What are the potential use cases for PAX Gold?

PAX Gold seeks to make acquiring gold more accessible. The token's whitepaper highlights that over USD 3.5 trillion of the total gold available today is used solely for acquisition purposes. However, a significant portion of this gold is out of reach for small-time users. PAXG aims to bridge this gap. By backing each token with a fraction of a gold bar, PAXG enables users to acquire small amounts of gold, making this precious metal more accessible. This approach has inspired other cryptocurrency developers to create gold-backed tokens, expanding the potential use cases for PAXG.

What is the history of PAX Gold?

PAX Gold was founded by Charles Cascarilla, who also founded Paxos Standard. Cascarilla's extensive career in capital management led him to explore the possibilities offered by cryptocurrencies. After earning a degree in finance from the University of Notre Dame, he co-founded Cedar Hill Capital Partners in 2005, marking the start of his career in finance and capital management. Since then, Cascarilla has been involved in several traditional and blockchain-based venture capital projects. PAX Gold was launched in September 2019 with the goal of making gold more tradable and accessible to users.