#### What is Gemini Dollar? Gemini Dollar (GUSD) is a [digital currency](https://www.coinbase.com/learn/crypto-basics/what-is-cryptocurrency) that aims to bridge the gap between traditional finance and the cryptocurrency industry. It is an [ERC-20](https://help.coinbase.com/en/coinbase/getting-started/crypto-education/what-is-erc20) token built on the [Ethereum](https://www.coinbase.com/learn/crypto-basics/what-is-ethereum) network, with [smart contracts](https://www.coinbase.com/learn/crypto-basics/what-is-a-smart-contract) audited by the security company Trail of Bits Inc. GUSD is created by the Gemini Trust Company, which holds USD deposits corresponding to the number of [tokens](https://www.coinbase.com/learn/crypto-basics/what-is-a-token) in circulation. This [stablecoin](https://www.coinbase.com/learn/crypto-basics/what-is-a-stablecoin) is fully regulated by the New York Department of Financial Services (NYDFS), making it a unique offering in the cryptocurrency space. The founders of GUSD, Tyler Winklevoss and Cameron Winklevoss, are well-known figures in the digital currency world, with a strong focus on establishing a regulated and secure environment for cryptocurrency transactions. #### How does Gemini Dollar work? Gemini Dollar operates as an ERC-20 token on the Ethereum network. It maintains a steady value by binding its worth to underlying assets such as the USD. The Gemini Trust Company holds USD deposits that match the number of GUSD tokens in circulation, ensuring a 1:1 peg. This balance is examined monthly by independent registered public accounting firms to verify the necessary backing. The [private keys](https://www.coinbase.com/learn/crypto-basics/what-is-a-private-key) used to sign cryptocurrency transactions are custodied offsite in secure, guarded, and geographically [distributed](https://help.coinbase.com/en/coinbase/getting-started/crypto-education/glossary/distributed) facilities on a cloud storage system. This system uses multisignature technology, requiring multiple signatories to transfer funds, adding an extra layer of security. #### What are the potential use cases for Gemini Dollar? Gemini Dollar aims to provide a transparent regulatory compliant connection between traditional financial systems and the [blockchain](https://www.coinbase.com/learn/crypto-basics/what-is-a-blockchain) industry. As a stablecoin, GUSD can be used as a medium of exchange in the cryptocurrency market without the extreme price fluctuations seen with other digital currencies. It can be used for transactions in the digital art space, for trading, investing, lending, or [staking](https://help.coinbase.com/en/coinbase/trading-and-funding/staking-rewards/eth-2-0-staking) in the crypto economy, and for making payments to employees, partners, vendors, or friends. GUSD can also be used as a stable reserve in the volatile crypto market, providing a more cost-effective and efficient alternative to traditional finance. #### What is the history of Gemini Dollar? Gemini Dollar was launched in September 2018 by the Gemini Trust Company, founded by Tyler Winklevoss and Cameron Winklevoss in February 2014. The company received approval from the NYDFS to launch the stablecoin, making it the first U.S. dollar-backed stablecoin to receive backing from a U.S. regulatory body. The founders, both Harvard University graduates, have a strong background in economics and business administration, and have been instrumental in shaping the direction and growth of the Gemini Dollar. Since its inception, GUSD has been traded on numerous exchanges and has reached an all-time high value of $1.3435.