Gold stablecoins face an uphill battle against the dollar's dominance. While the US currency has lost roughly 97 percent of its value since 1900 and the Fed's dollar index fell 9.2 percent from Trump's inauguration through mid-February 2026, the dollar remains the world's reserve currency. Its strength stems from historical inertia, network effects, the world's largest economy, deep financial markets, and transparent legal frameworks. However, Washington's weaponization of the dollar through sanctions and payment system restrictions is pushing adversaries and allies alike to explore alternatives. Gold stablecoins represent a credible competitor in this emerging landscape. Policymakers must balance strategic sanctions against truly dangerous actors with maintaining the dollar's attractiveness globally.
