Samson Mow's recent foray into redefining Bitcoin units and simultaneously critiquing altcoin valuations is more than just a Twitter spat. It's a potential earthquake in the crypto landscape. That man was throwing a valuation hand grenade and the shrapnel is still airborne. Is it a chiefly destructive act, or a long-overdue controlled demolition?

Altcoin Values Truly That Absurd?

Mow's proposal to use "Finney" (one twenty-one millionth of a Bitcoin) as a new unit exposes a psychological quirk we often ignore: unit bias. Whether you measure it by the number of units, we love to buy assets with lots of units, regardless of how small the total value may be. It’s the same why penny stocks can be so seductive, despite their built in danger.

Think about it this way: Would you rather own 1 Bitcoin or 21 million Finneys? The dollar value is the same, but psychologically, the latter seems like so much more. Mow's using this to highlight altcoin valuations. He’s doing this by basically saying, “Well let’s redefine everything in terms of Bitcoin and all of a sudden these ‘cheap’ altcoins are super-duper expensive."

By Mow’s calculation (as of April 19th, 2025), one twenty-one-millionth of an Ethereum would be worth a jaw-dropping $9,200. XRP? $5,800. Solana? $3,400. All of a sudden, that “discount” altcoin doesn’t look so attractive after all, right?

This isn't just about numbers. It's about questioning the narrative. Or perhaps we’ve been brainwashed into believing that altcoins are the “poor man’s” version of Bitcoin, the asset class with supposedly greater upside. What if that’s all a very elaborate smoke and mirrors trick? What if we’re all just chasing fool’s gold.

Bitcoin Scarcity, Altcoin Abundance?

Bitcoin's scarcity is its superpower. Only 21 million will ever exist. For altcoins, this is usually a much more substantial supply – or even worse, no cap on supply at all. This difference is crucial. It’s literally the difference between an original Rubens and the dot matrix reproduction of it.

Mow’s critique touches on a raw nerve: the nagging feeling that many altcoins are just vaporware hyped up by influencers and fueled by FOMO. It’s understandable to get carried away by the excitement of a shiny new project. It’s a real lure, and when you see everyone else raking in profits, the temptation is almost impossible to resist. At what cost?

  • Bitcoin: Limited supply, proven track record.
  • Altcoins: Variable supply, speculative value.

The picture from this table is harsh, in truth it’s even harsher reality.

It's not about hating on altcoins. It’s simply about being clear and transparent around what their true value proposition is. And, if so, do they really provide some kind of special value that’s new and enduring, or are they simply piggybacking on Bitcoin’s momentum? As a Parisian, value is something I always want to find. The same applies to anything, from a gorgeous thrifted dress to a beautiful art installation. It extends to the digital world.

Wake-Up Call Or Just Noise?

As with any radical idea, the responses to Mow’s proposal have been predictably positive and negative. Retrospectively, some view it as a genius move that served to shine a light on the valuation pomposity of many altcoins. Others write it off as mistaken or worse. Regardless of where you stand, one thing is clear: it's sparked a conversation.

Investing in crypto is inherently risky. Investing in those altcoins without any idea of what makes them unique is just plain irresponsible. It’s time we cut through the glitter and the glamor, and begin to ask the hard questions.

Is this project truly decentralized? Does it have a viable use case? Is the team competent and transparent? What are the tokenomics? And perhaps most key of all — does it provide an actual value proposition that Bitcoin lacks?

Mow's intervention is a wake-up call. You might not agree with his math, but in any case he has forced us to confront an uncomfortable reality. Down the line, most altcoins will prove overvalued, overhyped, and ultimately unsustainable. He's provided the spark. Together, let’s stoke the fires of critical inquiry! We should be demanding more accountability from the altcoin space.

So, let's talk. Let's debate. Let's challenge the status quo. Because working together is the only way the future of crypto as we know it can survive. Let's not just hodl, let's think.

So, let's talk. Let's debate. Let's challenge the status quo. Because the future of crypto depends on it. Let's not just hodl, let's think.