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Tether Tokenizes Over $1.2 Billion in Gold on Ethereum: XAUT's Rise as On-Chain Store of Value

Tether Tokenizes Over $1.2 Billion in Gold on Ethereum: XAUT's Rise as On-Chain Store of Value

In the fast-paced world of cryptocurrency, where meme tokens often steal the spotlight with their viral antics, there's a quieter revolution happening with real-world assets (RWAs). Recently, Token Terminal highlighted a major milestone on X: Tether has tokenized over $1.2 billion worth of gold on the Ethereum blockchain through its XAUT token. This isn't just a number—it's a sign of growing demand for stable, non-fiat stores of value right on the chain.

Chart showing the outstanding supply of XAUT on Ethereum from 2022 to 2025

What is Tether Gold (XAUT)?

If you're new to this, XAUT, or Tether Gold, is essentially digital gold. Each XAUT token represents one troy ounce of physical gold stored securely in Swiss vaults. Issued by Tether, the company behind the popular USDT stablecoin, XAUT is backed 1:1 by actual gold bars. This means you can own a piece of a gold vault in your crypto wallet without dealing with physical storage, shipping, or insurance hassles.

The token operates on multiple blockchains, but the focus here is on Ethereum, where the majority of the action is happening. As of August 2025, the total supply of XAUT on Ethereum stands at about 375,572 tokens, translating to a market cap of roughly $1.25 billion at current gold prices around $3,322 per ounce. This aligns with the chart shared by Token Terminal, showing a steady climb from near zero in 2022 to over $1.2 billion today.

Why This Matters for Crypto Users

For blockchain practitioners and meme token enthusiasts alike, XAUT offers a practical way to diversify beyond volatile assets. Meme coins can skyrocket or crash based on social buzz, but gold has been a trusted store of value for centuries. By tokenizing it, Tether makes it accessible on-chain, allowing you to use it in decentralized finance (DeFi) protocols, lend it out, or even trade it seamlessly.

Imagine hedging your meme token portfolio against market dips by holding some XAUT—it's like having a "Swiss Gold Vault in your Pocket," as Token Terminal aptly put it. This non-fiat option is especially appealing in uncertain economic times, providing stability without relying on traditional currencies.

The Growth Trajectory

Looking at the outstanding supply chart, XAUT's adoption has been impressive. Starting from humble beginnings in 2022, the supply surged through 2023 and 2024, hitting new highs in 2025. This growth reflects increasing interest in RWAs, where physical assets like gold, real estate, or commodities are brought onto the blockchain. For meme token fans, this trend could open doors to hybrid projects that blend fun with real value backing.

Tether ensures transparency by publishing daily circulation data and quarterly reserve reports on their transparency page. With over 9,200 holders on Ethereum alone, the community is expanding, signaling trust in the system.

Implications for the Broader Ecosystem

This milestone isn't isolated. It's part of a larger shift toward integrating traditional finance with crypto. For developers and investors in the meme space, understanding RWAs like XAUT can enhance strategies—perhaps even inspiring meme tokens backed by gold or other assets. As Ethereum continues to evolve with updates like improved scalability, tokens like XAUT could see even more utility in everyday transactions.

If you're curious about the original post, check it out here. It's a reminder that while memes drive the hype, foundational assets like tokenized gold are building the infrastructure for a more robust blockchain future.

Stay tuned to Meme Insider for more insights on how these developments intersect with the wild world of meme tokens. Whether you're stacking sats or chasing the next dog-themed coin, knowledge like this keeps you ahead of the curve.

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