Decentralization and cryptography offer their own value to cryptocurrencies as well. The idea that no one can just take your money away from you or stop your ability to make a transaction. Decentralization and blockchain encryption solves these issues and offers security, freedom and privacy that did not exist before. Gold certainly has practical value but it is hard to argue that it above all other metals should be "money." Today it acts as money in much the same way a pound of titanium acts as money. And not a very easy currency to make transactions with I might add; and the fees are terrible on gold (not to mention the 28% collectibles tax!).