gold exchanged in barter for its intrinsic value*
*) There were probably other commodities before gold, but that is not the point here.
Specifically what was that? It looked pretty in someone's nose?
That is one example yes.
And why can't bitcoins have the same "intrinsic value"?
Bitcoins have no intrinsic value, as
1) You can not use bitcoins as wall covering
2) You can not use bitcoins to wipe your ass
3) You can not use bitcoins as ear-rings
4) You can not use bitcoins to create great electrical connectors
5) You can not use bitcoins as paperweights
6) You can not toss bitcoins to randomly select heads or tails
7) You can not throw bitcoins on somebody when you are angry
and so on.
What _can_ you use bitcoins for, other than exchange?