The debate that gold is an alternative currency continues to be contentious.

They have been touted by some as an alternative currency in countries facing financial instability.

Demand was particularly strong in the U.S. where it has traditionally been seen as an alternative currency.

The Electronic Frontier Foundation, an advocate for digital privacy, eventually started accepting donations in the alternative currency.

There are two key traits of Bitcoin: it is digital and it is seen as an alternative currency.

Analysts more often than not cite the euro as an alternative currency for commodities because it is liquid.

So it leaves gold more isolated as an alternative currency, said Fergal Smith, managing market strategist at Action Economics.

Gold is used by investors as a hedge against financial turbulence and as an alternative currency to the dollar.

Is it an alternative currency?

A quarter of subscriptions on porn.com come from bitcoin users, so will this vast market drive growth in the alternative currency?

Ether, an alternative currency that differs from bitcoin, is a token or digital asset of the Ethereum platform, a public blockchain.

Until recently a niche alternative currency touted by a fervent group of followers, bitcoin has evolved into a software-based payment online system.

No preparations have been made for exit from the euro and it will take months for an alternative currency to be in circulation.

Gold is typically associated with safety but it is also perceived as an alternative currency and comes under pressure when the U.S. currency strengthens.

But they divided ordinary Zimbabweans, many of whom feared the alternative currency would trigger a similar economic crisis as with the old Zimbabwean dollar.

A weaker dollar makes commodities like oil cheaper for those holding alternative currencies.